piz·zi·ca·to
ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tō 
plural pizzicati
ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tē
: a note or passage played by plucking strings
pizzicato
2 of 2adverb or adjective
: by means of plucking instead of bowing
—used as a direction in music
compare arco
Examples of pizzicato in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024
That pizzicato hook — a blend of synthesizer and guitar — is undeniable.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024
Taylor was especially exciting to watch through this second half, locking into charming pizzicato figures with the cello and violas under bright, unfurling violins.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024
Generous pizzicato added an edge of suspense to the piece, and there was a strange bell-like sound created in the second movement.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pizzicato 
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.
Noun
The music has luxurious legato sections and boisterous cadenzas, plus intriguing pizzicato.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024
That pizzicato hook — a blend of synthesizer and guitar — is undeniable.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024
Taylor was especially exciting to watch through this second half, locking into charming pizzicato figures with the cello and violas under bright, unfurling violins.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024
Generous pizzicato added an edge of suspense to the piece, and there was a strange bell-like sound created in the second movement.
—Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 26 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pizzicato
Dictionary Entries Near pizzicato
Cite this Entry
“Pizzicato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pizzicato. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share