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

She has a vibrato that is out of place.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2025

The bottom of a block might be quiet, the top loud and individuals can add vibrato and other flourishes as they go, requiring skill and practice.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2023

Across her wide contralto range she could easily alternate between thick vibrato and crystal-clear precision.

From New York Times • Oct. 4, 2023

The song winds down with a shivering vibrato on the cymbals.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz