1. a flexible approach to musical tempo involving slight speeding up and slowing down for expressive effect
Usage: music

1. in a flexible tempo with expressive variations in speed
Usage: music

Examples

• The pianist played the Chopin nocturne with beautiful rubato.
• Her use of rubato made the melody sound more emotional and personal.
• The conductor encouraged the orchestra to play rubato during the lyrical passages.
• Without rubato, the romantic piece sounded mechanical and lifeless.
• The singer performed the aria rubato, stretching certain phrases for dramatic effect.
• Jazz musicians often employ rubato to create a more conversational feel.