bravura

1 of 2

noun

bra·​vu·​ra brə-ˈvyu̇r-ə How to pronounce bravura (audio)
brä-,
-ˈvu̇r-
1
music : a musical passage requiring exceptional agility and technical skill in execution
2
: a florid brilliant style
3
: a show of daring or brilliance

bravura

2 of 2

adjective

1
: marked by a dazzling display of skill
a bravura performance
2
: ornate, showy
bravura prose

Examples of bravura in a Sentence

Adjective a truly bravura performance of the ballet that brought the crowd to its feet
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In the play’s most bravura scene, Doaker explains the origins of the piano and its significance to this family. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 13 Sep. 2024 Wetzel brings a jam-band vibe and a display of bravura to this stinging romantic rebuff. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Sanders, on the other hand — in the most outrageously, satisfyingly bravura role of his career — doubles down on the stereotype. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023 Its most bravura trick is rooted less in a display of mastery than one of vulnerability. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 28 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for bravura 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian, literally, bravery, from bravare to show off — more at bravado

Adjective

adjective derivative of bravura entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1757, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bravura was in 1757

Dictionary Entries Near bravura

Cite this Entry

“Bravura.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bravura. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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