up-tempo
Americannoun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of up-tempo
First recorded in 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
They seem to move the ball pretty well in up-tempo situations, but coach Sean Payton doesn’t like to lean into that with any regularity.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025
On the Electric Nebraska disc, the up-tempo roots-rock form is prominent.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 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
It was a little up-tempo for slow dancing, but that didn’t seem to concern him.
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
