plural tremolos
1
a
: the rapid reiteration of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a tremulous effect
b
: vocal vibrato especially when prominent or excessive
2
: a mechanical device in an organ for causing a tremulous effect

Examples of tremolo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rustin knew from the tremolo in Selva’s voice that things were going wrong. George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025 His tremolo vibrato made every note into a pearly gem. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025 The Sine guitar rocks movable pickups and a novel metal pad for swells and tremolo plus pedal control and expression. New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025 Over hushed tremolos of the orchestra’s strings, the solo violin enters dreamily. Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tremolo

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from tremolo tremulous, from Latin tremulus

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tremolo was circa 1801

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tremolo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tremolo. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural tremolos
1
: the rapid repetition of a musical tone or of alternating tones to produce a rapid wavering sound
2
: a mechanical device in an organ for causing a rapid wavering sound

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