tempo

noun

tem·​po ˈtem-(ˌ)pō 

plural tempi ˈtem-(ˌ)pē  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

Despite his high energy, Brown has a way of measuring out his responses in a slow tempo that matches his intention in each word. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

This is the last quarter when the streaming leader plans to report subscriber numbers on a regular tempo, shifting its emphasis to revenue and operating margin along with audience metrics like engagement. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025

Breaking teams down and finishing chances has often been the team’s Achilles heel, not midfielders capable of controlling the tempo of a game—already a strong point, even if Zubimendi’s defensive contribution would make a difference. —Henry Flynn, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

The tempo of Houthi attacks has slowed in recent weeks, particularly involving ships at sea. —Jon Gambrell The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, "time, rate of speed (in music)," going back to Latin tempor-, tempus "time, period of time, season," of uncertain origin

Note: If it originally meant "extent, measure" (hence, "extent of time"), Latin tempus could go back to an s-stem noun *temp-es- derived from an Indo-European verb base *temp- "stretch, extend," seen in Lithuanian tempiù, tem͂pti "to stretch, bend (a bow)," tìmpa "sinew, bowstring," Tocharian A & B cämp- "be able to" (if "stretch, exert effort" > "exert sufficient effort, be able"), and perhaps Old Norse þǫmb "womb, guts, bowstring." Though these are possibilities, the sum of comparable evidence for the etymon is not overwhelming.

First Known Use

circa 1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tempo

• a tempo
• up-tempo

Kids Definition

tempo

noun

tem·​po ˈtem-pō 

plural tempi -pē  or tempos

1

: the rate of speed at which a musical piece or passage is to be played or sung

2

: rate of motion or activity