pianoforte

noun

pi·​ano·​forte pē-ˈa-nə-ˌfȯrt How to pronounce pianoforte (audio)
-ˈä-,
-ˌfȯr-tē How to pronounce pianoforte (audio)
-ˌa-nə-ˈfȯr-tē,
-ˌä-
1
: fortepiano
2
: piano

Examples of pianoforte in a Sentence

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.
From the pianoforte to the smartphone, each wave of tech has sparked fears of brain rot. — Erin Neil, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025 While cleaning the basement one day, Teresa discovers a pianoforte that had been given to Sant’Ignazio by a donor, a gift specifically for the women of the institute. — Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pianoforte was in 1741

Rhymes for pianoforte

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Browse Nearby Words

piano bar
pianoforte
pianofortist
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Cite this Entry

“Pianoforte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pianoforte. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pianoforte

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pianoforte

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