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Definition of tempo

tempo

/ˈtɛm.poʊ/
tem · po
Plural:tempos
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tempo Lexical Profile

tempo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The speed or pace at which a passage of music is or should be played, typically measured in beats per minute.

Example

"The conductor raised her baton and signaled the orchestra to increase the tempo for the final movement."

2

The characteristic rate, speed, or pattern of any activity, process, or event.

Example

"Moving from a bustling metropolis to a quiet coastal village dramatically slowed the tempo of his daily life."

3

A single move or turn in chess, especially considered as a unit of time gained or lost in developing pieces during a game.

Example

"By attacking the exposed queen with his knight, the grandmaster gained a crucial tempo to complete his development."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tempo

Word Nuance & Usage

The regular English plural "tempos" is standard in general usage, whereas the Italian plural "tempi" is preferred in classical music contexts.

• Rhymes for tempo

• Nearby Words

temple pit viper
temple viper
templed
tempo
temporal
temporally
temporarily

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 18th century from Italian "tempo" (meaning "time"), which derives from Latin "tempus" (meaning "time, season, or opportunity").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tempo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tempo
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