vibrato

[ vi-brah-toh, vahy- ]

noun

, Music.

, plural vi·bra·tos.

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibrato¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vibrato¹

C19: from Italian, from Latin vibrāre to vibrate

Example Sentences

The lord of vibrato’s melismatic flourishes flickered like comet trails across an anthemic “Jeremy,” one of the darkest hits in modern rock history, which blew up in a joyful supernova on Thursday.

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

Mr. Eddy, who was self-taught, devised his rhythmic melodicism by playing the lead lines on his recordings on his guitar’s bass strings and by liberally using the vibrato bar.

From New York Times

It’s apparent in her music, which fuses the sounds of jazz and classical giants past with romantic storytelling, punctuated by a deep vibrato and modern-day references.

From Los Angeles Times

The lilting vibrato made a natural accompaniment to the laid-back melodies of Hawaiian songs.

From Los Angeles Times