Rhythm

/ˈɹɪð.m̩/ · noun

Meaning

The variation of strong and weak elements (such as duration, accent) of sounds, notably in speech or music, over time; a beat or meter..

Definitions by Sense

1. The variation of strong and weak elements (such as duration, accent) of sounds, notably in speech or music, over time; a beat or meter.
2. A specifically defined pattern of such variation.
3. A flow, repetition or regularity.
4. The tempo or speed of a beat, song or repetitive event.
5. The musical instruments which provide rhythm (mainly; not or less melody) in a musical ensemble.
6. A regular quantitative change in a variable (notably natural) process.
7. Controlled repetition of a phrase, incident or other element as a stylistic figure in literature and other narrative arts; the effect it creates.
8. A person's natural feeling for rhythm.

Example Sentences

Dance to the rhythm of the music.

Hicks is both thwarter and thwartee of Daedalean plots. Aboard a train, the rhythm of the wheels sounds to him like "wottachump, wottachump, wottachump."

Most dances have a rhythm as distinctive as the Iambic verse in poetry

Once you get the rhythm of it, the job will become easy.

Will this decision-making paralysis continue until Great British Railways has been established and settled into a new rhythm? If so, passengers on the West of England line are in for a rough ride, as the reliability of these tired old British Rail trains inevitably declines, and maintenance costs rise.

We walked with a quick, even rhythm.

If you hum or whistle the rhythm of the common English metres,— of the decasyllabic quatrain, or the octosyllabic with alternate sexisyllabic, or other rhythms, […]

Bigeminous rhythm was followed by bursts of extrasystoles.

Synonyms for rhythm

Antonyms for rhythm

Related Words

Word Forms

• rhythms
• rhythming
• rhythmed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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