rondo
rondo Lexical Profile
rondo Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A musical form or movement in which a principal recurring theme alternates with one or more contrasting episodes, typically serving as the lively final movement of a classical sonata, symphony, or concerto.
"The pianist concluded the concerto with a spirited rondo that highlighted her technical agility."
A training drill in soccer in which a circle of players attempts to maintain possession of the ball through quick one-touch passes while one or more defenders inside the circle try to intercept it.
"The coach began the morning practice with a fast-paced rondo to sharpen the team's passing accuracy."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'rondo' (the instrumental musical form) with 'rondeau', which in English usually refers to a fixed French poetic form or a medieval vocal composition.
• Rhymes for rondo
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 18th century from Italian 'rondò', itself an adaptation of French 'rondeau' ('a round'), ultimately from Latin 'rotundus' ('round').