presto

American  

[pres-toh] / ˈprɛs toʊ /

adverb

1. quickly, rapidly, or immediately.

2. at a rapid tempo (used as a musical direction).

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adjective

1. quick or rapid.

2. executed at a rapid tempo (used as a musical direction).

noun

plural

prestos

1. Music. a movement or piece in quick tempo.

presto British  

/ ˈprɛstəʊ /

adjective

1. music to be played very fast

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adverb

1. immediately, suddenly, or at once (esp in the phrase hey presto )

noun

1. music a movement or passage directed to be played very quickly

Etymology

Origin of presto

1590–1600; < Italian: quick, quickly < Late Latin praestus (adj.) ready, Latin praestō (adv.) at hand

Explanation

Want a fast definition? Presto! Presto means "suddenly," or "super fast." Magicians love to yell presto! before a trick. In music, to play something presto is to play it at a very fast tempo. Presto comes from Italian for “quickly.” Officially, presto is the second-quickest speed that music can be played (after prestissimo). To a pianist, presto means one thing, while to a magician it means another. In this case, presto still means "fast," but it refers to the speed at which an illusion is created. If you dabble in magic tricks, you might say, "Presto!" at the moment you make a rabbit disappear or turn a silk scarf into a bouquet of flowers.

Example Sentences

Whenever this occurred, I would simply read a passage or two from his book and presto, I was back in the game with every no becoming a yes!

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

Then, presto — all that data appeared on the Android.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2024

Then, he poured the concoction into a muffin pan, placed it into the oven for a brief moment and, presto, out popped packs of cards bearing his image.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 16, 2023

They brought unexpected sensitivity to the punchy presto of the second movement.

From Washington Post • Dec. 10, 2022

For example, if you are about to run a race, you visualize yourself running the race and crossing the finish line first, and presto!

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech