rubato

noun

ru·​ba·​to rü-ˈbä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce rubato (audio)
plural rubatos
: a fluctuation of tempo within a musical phrase often against a rhythmically steady accompaniment

Examples of rubato 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.
Codas are so quick that the human ear can miss a rubato. Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 7 May 2024 The researchers believe that rubato plays an important role in whale communication. Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 7 May 2024 All told, the researchers identified 156 different codas, each with distinct combinations of tempo, rhythm, rubato and ornamentation. Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 7 May 2024 There is a term for this kind of derring-do — rubato — but Mickey Raphael, Nelson’s longtime harmonica player in the road band known as the Family, puts it another way. Jody Rosen, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2022 Barnatan’s extravagant rubato was appropriate for this work. San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2022 Franck’s romantic style calls for generous rubato, pushing and pulling tempos for expressive effect. Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 9 Jan. 2022 The editing sustains this artificial narrative with remarkable skill and a sense of rubato in tune with the Inuit’s indigenous way of life. Peter Cowie, WSJ, 12 Aug. 2022 As usual when classical musicians play Gershwin, the second prelude was played far too slowly and with too much rubato (listen to Gershwin’s performance for the proper speeds here and in the third prelude). San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, robbed

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rubato was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near rubato

Cite this Entry

“Rubato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubato. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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