up-tempo

American  

[uhp-tem-poh] / ˈʌpˌtɛm poʊ /

noun

plural

up-tempos, up-tempi

1. a bouncy, fast tempo in music.

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adjective

1. characterized by a fast and bouncy tempo.

Etymology

Origin of up-tempo

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The up-tempo tune depicts life growing up in a dreary community bereft of imagination or spirit and hammers home the record’s emotional restlessness: “Nothing but the dead and dying back in my little town.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

Beck’s offense is expected to spread the field with an up-tempo attack, amplifying the challenge facing the Bruins.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 29, 2025

No. 2 Alabama — The Crimson Tide’s up-tempo style can catch a lot of opponents flat-footed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2025

An up-tempo rocker, full of showboating guitar chords and an extremely 1980s cowbell, Hot For You, Baby is a prime example of Turner's raspy, physical style of soul.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2025

He clicks some stuff on one of the computers and a bass heavy up-tempo beat blasts through the speakers.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas