pizzicato

1 of 2

noun

piz·​zi·​ca·​to ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce pizzicato (audio)
plural pizzicati ˌpit-si-ˈkä-(ˌ)tē How to pronounce pizzicato (audio)
: 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
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 In the short prelude, light yet pungent pizzicato plucks — amid brooding low strings and an elegiac solo violin — movingly evoke Jesus’s mother’s tears without feeling too obvious. Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2023 Textures and gestures, such as upward glissandos or pizzicato arpeggios are similarly indicated. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Nov. 2023 The Portland Columbia Symphony, celebrating its 40th anniversary all season long, and will offer a VIP fundraiser and public concert this weekend featuring headliner Alexander Markov, an awarding winning virtuoso known for his interpretation of the left-hand pizzicato section of the 24th Caprice. oregonlive, 25 Jan. 2023 It is comprised of staccato and pizzicato motifs. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 13 Oct. 2022 Muted brass are heard over a riot of pizzicato. Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pizzicato.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pizzicato was circa 1771

Dictionary Entries Near pizzicato

Cite this Entry

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pizzicato

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