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

He rediscovered his rhythm when compiling an up-tempo 103 break and crafted a wonderful 111 - his eighth century of the tournament - to round off the afternoon's play.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026

Tape of Chambliss had left their jaws hanging, and they could only imagine what he might accomplish in Kiffin’s up-tempo attack.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

“Their offense is hard to stop. We thought we’d be able to score with them and we couldn’t. We wanted to go up-tempo and we weren’t able to do that.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025

“Lynne has a dynamic and forward-thinking offensive mind, and her up-tempo style fits perfectly with the way we want to play,” Pebley said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

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