diminuendo

[ dih-min-yoo-en-doh ]

adjective

1. gradually reducing in force or loudness; decrescendo ( crescendo ).

noun

, plural di·min·u·en·does.

1. a gradual reduction of force or loudness.
2. a diminuendo passage. : >

diminuendo

/ dɪˌmɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ /

noun

1. 1. a gradual decrease in loudness or the musical direction indicating this dimwritten over the music affected
   2. a musical passage affected by a diminuendo

adjective

1. gradually decreasing in loudness
2. with a diminuendo

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminuendo¹

1765–75; < Italian, present participle of diminuire; diminish

Word History and Origins

Origin of diminuendo¹

C18: from Italian, from diminuire to diminish

Example Sentences

He could be heard fumbling with the reins at the gate, and then the sound of hoofs came in diminuendo as he rode away.

From Project Gutenberg

The office people gave it to me, and never do I look but with a shiver at this dumb record in diminuendo of agony and sacrifice.

From Project Gutenberg

He used to suggest a diminuendo by crouching down more and more, and at a pianissimo he would almost creep under the desk.

From Project Gutenberg

The sonorous tones of the Chinese gong, manipulated with so cunning a crescendo and diminuendo by Lind, boomed through the house.

From Project Gutenberg

The sound did not die away entirely in its slow diminuendo until the mules had passed the range six miles to the west.

From Project Gutenberg