sforzando

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

sfor·​zan·​do sfȯrt-ˈsän-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce sforzando (audio)
-ˈsan-
: played with prominent stress or accent
used as a direction in music

sforzando

2 of 2

noun

plural sforzandos or sforzandi sfȯrt-ˈsän-(ˌ)dē How to pronounce sforzando (audio)
-ˈsan-
: an accented tone or chord

Examples of sforzando 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.
Adjective or adverb
Remember that sforzando on the whole note attached to the eighth must be strict. Variety, 2 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

Italian, verbal of sforzare to force

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sforzando was circa 1801

Dictionary Entries Near sforzando

Cite this Entry

“Sforzando.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sforzando. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sforzando

adjective
sfor·​zan·​do
sfȯrt-ˈsän-dō,
-ˈsan-
: played with special stress or accent
used as a direction in music
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!