cadence

[ keyd-ns ]

noun

1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words:

   the cadence of language.

2. (in free verse) a rhythmic pattern that is nonmetrically structured.
3. the beat, rate, or measure of any rhythmic movement:

   The chorus line danced in rapid cadence.

   Synonyms: meter, rhythm, pulse, tempo

4. the flow or rhythm of events, especially the pattern in which something is experienced:

   the frenetic cadence of modern life.

5. a slight falling in pitch of the voice in speaking or reading, as at the end of a declarative sentence.
6. the general modulation of the voice.
7. Music. a sequence of notes or chords that indicates the momentary or complete end of a composition, section, phrase, etc.

verb (used with object)

, ca·denced, ca·denc·ing.

1. to make rhythmical.

cadence

/ ˈkeɪdəns /

noun

1. the beat or measure of something rhythmic
2. a fall in the pitch of the voice, as at the end of a sentence
3. modulation of the voice; intonation
4. a rhythm or rhythmic construction in verse or prose; measure
5. the close of a musical phrase or section

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Italian cadenza cadenza

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadence¹

C14: from Old French, from Old Italian cadenza, literally: a falling, from Latin cadere to fall

Example Sentences

Our expert content team has a way of sprinkling soothing magic on all of our Sleep Stories through the narrator's cadence to the background music to get people to lull to sleep.

From Salon

I would try to get that cadence down as much as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

His fast-paced, New Yorker cadence and quick-witted comebacks.

From Los Angeles Times

She also got technical with talk about offence, hand-offs and calling the cadence, which in American football is the series of words shouted by the quarterback, rather than anything more musical.

From BBC

Then after losing to Denver, they both talked about cadence issues and people being held accountable.

From BBC

Related Words

• accent
• inflection
• intonation
• lilt
• tempo