1. In a smooth, flowing, singing manner (used as a musical direction).
Usage: music

1. Characterized by a smooth, flowing, singing quality; suitable for singing.
Usage: music

1. A passage or piece of music to be performed in a smooth, flowing manner.
Usage: music

Examples

• The violinist played the passage cantabile, with a warm and singing tone.
• The composer marked the section cantabile to indicate a lyrical, flowing style.
• A cantabile melody is one that sounds like it could be sung by the human voice.
• The pianist performed the nocturne cantabile, emphasizing its songlike quality.
• The instruction cantabile appears frequently in Romantic-era compositions.
• The cellist's cantabile interpretation brought out the emotional depth of the piece.