vibrato

Everyday

Vibrato is a quick, small wobble up and down in the pitch of a note, made by a singer or a player of a string or wind instrument to make the sound warmer and richer. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons, singers and violin, cello or flute players learn vibrato; it tells the listener the note is alive and expressive. In science, it links to sound, pitch and vibration. Phrases: «sing with vibrato», «a wide vibrato», «too much vibrato».

Examples

• The opera singer's voice had a lovely vibrato. tree →
• My violin teacher showed me how to rock my finger for vibrato. tree →
• Too much vibrato can make a song sound wobbly. tree →
• The flute player added vibrato to the long note. tree →
• Choir boys often sing with little or no vibrato. tree →
• You can hear the vibrato when the singer holds a note. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable: «with vibrato». It is an Italian music word; say «vi-BRAH-toh». Do not confuse with «tremolo», a fast repeating of one note or a change in loudness. Related: vibrate, vibration.