Dictionary

¹ritardando

adverb or adjective ri·tar·dan·do \ri-ˌtär-ˈdän-(ˌ)dō, ˌrē-\

Definition of RITARDANDO

: with a gradual slackening in tempo —used as a direction in music

See ritardando defined for kids

Italian, from Latin retardandum, gerund of retardare to retard

First Known Use: circa 1811

noun

plural ritardandos

: a ritardando passage

1889

Next Word in the Dictionary: ritePrevious Word in the Dictionary: ritardAll Words Near: ritardando

What made you want to look up ritardando? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears