1. A smooth, flowing melodic line or passage in vocal or instrumental music.
Usage: music; from Italian
2. A lyrical or song-like quality in instrumental music.
Usage: music

Examples

• The violinist performed the cantilena with remarkable expressiveness.
• The composer wrote a beautiful cantilena for the soprano voice.
• The piano piece featured a graceful cantilena in the upper register.
• Musicians often practice cantilena passages to develop their legato technique.
• The string quartet's second movement was a tender cantilena that moved the audience.