tempo
noun
tem·po
ˈtem-(ˌ)pō 
plural tempi
ˈtem-(ˌ)pē
or tempos
or tempos
1
: the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (such as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking
2
: rate of motion or activity : pace
Examples of tempo in a Sentence
The song has a slow tempo.
The composition has many changes of tempo.
We walked at a fast tempo.
The tempo of the game slowed down.
The dance starts out fast and then switches tempo.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Gators have been bothered by physicality at times in the NCAA Tournament and haven’t been able to speed up teams wanting to drag the tempo down.
—
The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
There is something of a stylistic resemblance between the two undersized point guards, both of whom can dictate a methodical tempo to their advantage.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
Alabama uses tempo — relentless, unforgiving, exhausting tempo — as the fuel for averaging 90.8 points per game, tops in the nation.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Its more leisurely tempo has fallen out of favor with younger generations, who prefer quicker play.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempo
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The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
There is something of a stylistic resemblance between the two undersized point guards, both of whom can dictate a methodical tempo to their advantage.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025
Alabama uses tempo — relentless, unforgiving, exhausting tempo — as the fuel for averaging 90.8 points per game, tops in the nation.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
Its more leisurely tempo has fallen out of favor with younger generations, who prefer quicker play.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempo
Cite this Entry
“Tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempo. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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