decrescendo

1 of 2

noun

de·​cre·​scen·​do ˌdā-krə-ˈshen-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce decrescendo (audio)
plural decrescendos
1
: a gradual decrease in volume of a musical passage
2
: a decrescendo musical passage

Illustration of decrescendo

Illustration of decrescendo
  • mark indicating decrescendo 2

decrescendo

2 of 2

adverb or adjective

: with a decrease in volume
—used as a direction in music

Examples of decrescendo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Crescendos and decrescendos were exquisitely controlled. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 28 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian, literally, decreasing, from Latin decrescendum, gerund of decrescere

First Known Use

Noun

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb Or Adjective

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decrescendo was in 1877

Rhymes for decrescendo

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Cite this Entry

“Decrescendo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decrescendo. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

decrescendo

1 of 2 noun
de·​cre·​scen·​do ˌdā-krə-ˈshen-dō How to pronounce decrescendo (audio)
plural decrescendos
: a lessening in volume of sound

decrescendo

2 of 2 adverb or adjective
: with diminishing volume
—used as a direction in music
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