NYT Dictionary

VIBRATO

/vɪˈbɹɑːtoʊ/
NounAdjectivevi-BRA-tovi-bra-to · 3 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2024, 2026

Meaning

The musical effect or technique where the pitch or frequency of a note or sound is quickly and repeatedly raised and lowered over a small distance for the duration of that note or sound.

Etymology

Origin: Italian

Borrowed from Italian vibrato m, past participle of vibrare (“to vibrate”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

bassooncelloclarinetclarioncornetdiapasonfalterfluttermixtureoboe

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

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