tremolo

noun

trem·​o·​lo ˈtre-mə-ˌlō 

plural tremolos

1

a

: the rapid reiteration of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a tremulous effect

b

: vocal vibrato especially when prominent or excessive

2

: a mechanical device in an organ for causing a tremulous effect

Examples of tremolo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tremolo and intricate performance techniques of the ouds and the solo performed on the qanun made the song a pleasant and soothing one. —Billboard Japan, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2024

Additional features include a two-point steel tremolo, synthetic bone nut, vintage-style tuners and the PRS double-acting truss rod that’s accessible from the front of the headstock. —Ron Hart, SPIN, 29 Nov. 2024

Where previously players could only activate one effect at a time, up to four effects can now sound simultaneously – with users able to choose from chorus, vibrato, flanger, delay (with tap tempo), reverb (acoustic, hall or plate) and tremolo (sine/triangle) out of the box. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2024

Modulation effects include chorus, phaser, flangers, vibrato pedals and tremolos. —New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from tremolo tremulous, from Latin tremulus

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tremolo

noun

trem·​o·​lo ˈtrem-ə-ˌlō 

plural tremolos

1

: the rapid repetition of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a rapid wavering sound

2

: a mechanical device in an organ for causing a rapid wavering sound