tempo
noun
tem·po
ˈtem-(ˌ)pō 
plural tempi
ˈtem-(ˌ)pē
or tempos
or tempos
1
: the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (such as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking
2
: rate of motion or activity : pace
Examples of tempo in a Sentence
The song has a slow tempo.
The composition has many changes of tempo.
We walked at a fast tempo.
The tempo of the game slowed down.
The dance starts out fast and then switches tempo.
Recent Examples on the Web
In his first season as the Chicago Bears head coach, Ben Johnson has transformed the roster with a structured offensive identity built around physicality, tempo control, and situational discipline.
—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Also, Tua Tagovailoa was told this week to stop thinking and just play and the team practiced playing up tempo more.
—Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Both countries are exploiting AI, robotics and unmanned systems at a high tempo.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
In others, the tempo is brisk – speed, competition, and timing often determine who wins.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempo
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Also, Tua Tagovailoa was told this week to stop thinking and just play and the team practiced playing up tempo more.
—Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
Both countries are exploiting AI, robotics and unmanned systems at a high tempo.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
In others, the tempo is brisk – speed, competition, and timing often determine who wins.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tempo
Cite this Entry
“Tempo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempo. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share