metronome

noun

met·​ro·​nome ˈme-trə-ˌnōm How to pronounce metronome (audio)
: a device designed to mark exact time by a regularly repeated tick

Illustration of metronome

Illustration of metronome

Did you know?

The patent for the metronome was entered in 1816: "John Malzl [sic], of Poland-street, Middlesex, Machinist; for an instrument . . . which he denominates a Metronome, or musical time-keeper." The courts, however, later proved that the aforementioned Johann Maelzel copied a pendulum design of Dietrich Winkel, making Winkel the actual inventor. Nonetheless, Maelzel was the more successful marketer of the metronome and even has a notation named after him. The "M.M." in notations like "M.M. = 60" stands for "Maelzel's metronome" and indicates a tempo of 60 beats per minute or a beat per tick of the metronome as it ticks 60 times, in the case of our example. The name of the invention itself is based on the Greek words metron, meaning "measure," and nomos, meaning "law."

Examples of metronome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The latter is a nod to the Marx Brothers Duck Soup (1933); Duchovny and McKean rehearsed the sequence and used a metronome during filming to keep time. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 10 Sep. 2023 All await amid a clamor of shouts and groans, punctuated by the metronome beep of hospital machines and the rumblings of bombs and heavy gunfire nearby. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 13 Feb. 2024 Adding to that, Hader (who, in reality, suffered from debilitating stage fright on the show) was every bit the glue Hartman was, his precise and steady comic rhythm and timing the unwavering metronome that sketch after sketch played along to. Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2023 The movie opens on a beating metronome, which seems to set the orderly, clockwork rhythm of Morricone’s life. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Feb. 2024 Foot by foot, the rig’s hammer slammed the pillar into the ground with the rhythmic beat of a metronome. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024 The Gibson App’s tuner works at least as well as any other digital tuner app, and the widely adjustable metronome is something that every musician should use to stay in time (even if some need it more than others). Spin Contributor, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2023 In a clip exclusively shared with PEOPLE, Dr. Burnham plays word association with Martin while a metronome ticks ominously. Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 11 Oct. 2023 Megan Rapinoe Won’t Go Quietly Rodman could juggle the soccer ball on her foot at a rate of 120 beats per minute on a metronome, says Baker, who would also incorporate other sports into team training. Sean Gregory, Time, 18 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metronome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek metron + -nomos controlling, from nomos law — more at nimble

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metronome was in 1816

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Dictionary Entries Near metronome

Cite this Entry

“Metronome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metronome. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

metronome

noun
met·​ro·​nome ˈme-trə-ˌnōm How to pronounce metronome (audio)
: an instrument that ticks regularly to help a music student play in exact time

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