1. a rapid repetition of a single musical note or rapid alternation between two notes to create a trembling effect
Usage: music
2. a device on an instrument, especially a guitar amplifier, that produces this trembling sound effect
Usage: music; electronics

Examples

• The violinist used tremolo to create an emotional effect in the slow movement.
• She practiced the tremolo passage until her bow technique was smooth.
• The guitarist turned on the tremolo effect for the ballad.
• The mandolin’s tremolo gave the folk song a haunting quality.
• His tremolo was so fast it sounded like a continuous note.
• The amplifier’s built-in tremolo added depth to the sound.