ritardando

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

ri·​tar·​dan·​do ri-ˌtär-ˈdän-(ˌ)dō 

ˌrē-

: with a gradual slackening in tempo

—used as a direction in music

ritardando

2 of 2

noun

plural ritardandos

: a ritardando passage

Word History

Etymology

Adverb or adjective

Italian, from Latin retardandum, gerund of retardare to retard

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

1806, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1838, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ritardando

adverb or adjective

ri·​tar·​dan·​do

ri-ˌtär-ˈdän-dō,

ˌrē-

: with a gradual slowing of tempo

—used as a direction in music

ritardando noun