pizzicato

1 of 2

noun

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 2

adverb 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

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

Word History

Etymology

Adverb or adjective

Italian, past participle of pizzicare to pluck

First Known Use

Noun

1790, in the meaning defined above

Adverb Or Adjective

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pizzicato

adverb or adjective

piz·​zi·​ca·​to

ˌpit-si-ˈkät-ō

: by means of plucking by the fingers instead of bowing

—used as a direction in music