Home
/ Dictionary
/ Starting With M
/ Page 29
/ Metronome

Metronome: meaning, definitions and examples

🎶

Add to dictionary

metronome

[ ˈmɛtrəˌnoʊm ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

musical instrument

A metronome is a device used by musicians to help them play at a constant tempo by producing a regular ticking sound or flashing light. It typically has adjustable settings for tempo and time signature.

Synonyms

beat keeper, tempo device.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
metronome	This is the most common term used to describe a device that musicians use to keep a steady tempo while practicing or performing. It is suitable for general and professional use. The pianist set the metronome to 120 beats per minute Using a metronome can help you stay on beat
tempo device	This is a more technical description and might be used when discussing various gadgets or tools in a broader sense. Suitable for contexts where specifying the type of device is important. The new tempo device is highly accurate and easy to use Musicians can benefit from a reliable tempo device during live performances
beat keeper	This term is less formal and might be used in a more casual or colloquial context. It implies any person or device that helps in keeping the beat in music. During band practice, Jake acted as the beat keeper She uses a beat keeper app on her phone

Word

Description / Examples

metronome

This is the most common term used to describe a device that musicians use to keep a steady tempo while practicing or performing. It is suitable for general and professional use.

The pianist set the metronome to 120 beats per minute
Using a metronome can help you stay on beat

tempo device

This is a more technical description and might be used when discussing various gadgets or tools in a broader sense. Suitable for contexts where specifying the type of device is important.

The new tempo device is highly accurate and easy to use
Musicians can benefit from a reliable tempo device during live performances

beat keeper

This term is less formal and might be used in a more casual or colloquial context. It implies any person or device that helps in keeping the beat in music.

During band practice, Jake acted as the beat keeper
She uses a beat keeper app on her phone

Examples of usage

The pianist used a metronome to practice her scales at a steady pace.
The conductor set the metronome to 120 beats per minute for the orchestra.

Translations

Translations of the word "metronome" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metrônomo

🇮🇳 मेट्रोनोम

🇩🇪 Metronom

🇮🇩 metronom

🇺🇦 метроном

🇵🇱 metronom

🇯🇵 メトロノーム

🇫🇷 métronome

🇪🇸 métronome

🇹🇷 metronom

🇰🇷 메트로놈

🇸🇦 مترونوم

🇨🇿 metronom

🇸🇰 metronóm

🇨🇳 节拍器

🇸🇮 metronom

🇮🇸 mælir

🇰🇿 метроном

🇬🇪 მეტრონომი

🇦🇿 metronom

🇲🇽 metrónomo

Etymology

The word 'metronome' originated from the Greek words 'metron', meaning 'measure', and 'nomos', meaning 'regulating'. The first mechanical metronome was patented in 1815 by Johann Maelzel. It became an essential tool for musicians to improve their timing and rhythm in practice sessions and performances.

See also: centimeter, meter, micrometer, micronometer.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,740, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
29737 gorgeously
29738 hurrah
29739 doctored
29740 metronome
29741 vaporize
29742 sauntering
29743 tucks
...