word
Italian
Ostinato
os-tih-NAH-toh
/ˌɒstɪˈnɑːtoʊ/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
Ostinato
Dictionary meaning
A short, persistently repeated melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic pattern.
History and origin
Italian
Examples
- Ravel's Boléro is built entirely on a single ostinato rhythm.
Pronunciation tips
Four syllables. Stress on third syllable.
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