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
However, since Israel launched its war in Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’s attacks in Israel on October 7, Hezbollah — a Hamas ally — has increased the tempo of rocket launches, and has hit targets deeper within Israel.
—
Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 23 Sep. 2024
The seesawing tempo of Boone’s multiplatinum hit is its superpower and translated well to even an awards show stage.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024
For the next few hours, the race’s worker bees, or domestiques, ride a steady tempo at the front of the peloton to keep the breakaway’s advantage to no more than three minutes.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 28 Aug. 2024
Basics like hearing a play-call instead of getting it from a sideline card, breaking the huddle and getting lined up at the right tempo.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempo 
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Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 23 Sep. 2024
The seesawing tempo of Boone’s multiplatinum hit is its superpower and translated well to even an awards show stage.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024
For the next few hours, the race’s worker bees, or domestiques, ride a steady tempo at the front of the peloton to keep the breakaway’s advantage to no more than three minutes.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 28 Aug. 2024
Basics like hearing a play-call instead of getting it from a sideline card, breaking the huddle and getting lined up at the right tempo.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tempo
Dictionary Entries Near tempo
Cite this Entry
“Tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempo. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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