vibrato

American  

[vi-brah-toh, vahy-] / vɪˈbrɑ toʊ, vaɪ- /

noun

Music.

plural

vibratos

1. a pulsating effect, produced in singing by the rapid reiteration of emphasis on a tone, and on bowed instruments by a rapid change of pitch corresponding to the vocal tremolo.

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vibrato British  

/ vɪˈbrɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. a slight, rapid, and regular fluctuation in the pitch of a note produced on a stringed instrument by a shaking movement of the hand stopping the strings

2. an oscillatory effect produced in singing by fluctuation in breath pressure or pitch

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Etymology

Origin of vibrato

1860–65; < Italian < Latin vibrātus (past participle); vibrate

Compare meaning

How does vibrato compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• vibrato vs. tremolo

Example Sentences

Stewart’s wild, shivering vibrato sliced through layers of fiddle and pedal steel, eventually grabbing the attention of Nashville bigwigs, including Roy Dea, a Texas-born record producer who would become one of Stewart’s loyal supporters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Musically, trot is defined by its frequent use of minor scales and a distinctive vocal style marked by heavy vibrato and kkeokgi - a technique that bends notes to heighten emotional expression.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Getting ready for “A Complete Unknown,” she learned to finger-pick guitar and sing with Baez’s signature vibrato.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2025

The pair cherrypicked from the two models, and made alterations to things like vibrato speed, or slowing and relaxing phrases.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

Then he settled down into hymns that liked a trembling vibrato.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt