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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of vibrato

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

Compare meaning

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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.

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