up-tempo

adjective

up-tem·​po ˈəp-ˌtem-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce up-tempo (audio)
: having a fast-moving tempo
up-tempo music
an aggressive up-tempo style of basketball

Examples of up-tempo 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.
By the end of the drive, the up-tempo tune was half-done. — Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 This is particularly true when songs are up-tempo. — Sergy Odiduro, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026 Carolina’s likely going to need to lean on both styles against a more up-tempo opponent here. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 20 May 2026 Her witty lyrics told stories about situations that most anyone could relate to – namely, money and love – blended with up-tempo, thumping beats. — Margena A. Christian, The Conversation, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for up-tempo

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of up-tempo was in 1941

Rhymes for up-tempo

See All Rhymes for up-tempo

Browse Nearby Words

uptear
up-tempo
up the ante
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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