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

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

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 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sforzando

adjective
sfor·​zan·​do
sfȯrt-ˈsän-dō,
-ˈsan-
: played with special stress or accent
used as a direction in music
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