vibrato

noun

vi·​bra·​to vi-ˈbrä-(ˌ)tō 

vī-

plural vibratos

: a slightly tremulous effect imparted to vocal or instrumental tone for added warmth and expressiveness by slight and rapid variations in pitch

vibratoless

vi-ˈbrä-(ˌ)tō-ləs 

vī-

adjective

Examples of vibrato in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Joan has a little bit of that operatic quality, not just the tone or vibrato but also the delivery, the strength of the delivery, the breath support. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2024

Albers’ rich vibrato and expressive bowing made the music sing, and in the quick sections, her agile fingers moved through the notes with effortless grace. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024

All those years of superhero training go down the drain when confronted with a flawless vibrato. —Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 18 Sep. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from past participle of vibrare to vibrate, from Latin

First Known Use

circa 1876, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vibrato

noun

vi·​bra·​to vi-ˈbrät-ō 

vī-

plural vibratos

: a slightly trembling effect given to vocal or instrumental tone by slight and rapid variations in pitch