capriccio

noun

ca·​pric·​cio kə-ˈprē-ch(ē-ˌ)ō How to pronounce capriccio (audio)
plural capriccios
1
2
3
: an instrumental piece in free form usually lively in tempo and brilliant in style

Examples of capriccio in a Sentence

the sort of innocuous capriccio intended to liven up a stuffy dinner party
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.
Ok so these capriccio bubblies taste like a fruit punch four loko. Zoe Szathmary, Fox News, 17 May 2018 The latter’s peculiar, angular graphite works appear lightweight next to Ms. Bontecou’s intense capriccios. Jason Farago and Martha Schwendener, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian — more at caprice

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of capriccio was in 1665

Dictionary Entries Near capriccio

Cite this Entry

“Capriccio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capriccio. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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