pizzicato
|piz-zi-ca-to|
🇺🇸
/ˌpɪtsɪˈkɑːtoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˌpɪtsɪˈkɑːtəʊ/
plucked (strings)
Etymology
'pizzicato' originates from Italian, specifically the verb 'pizzicare' (past participle 'pizzicato'), where 'pizzicare' meant 'to pinch' or 'to pluck'.
'pizzicato' came into English usage via Italian musical terminology in the 19th century; the Italian verb 'pizzicare' ('to pinch, pluck') and its past participle 'pizzicato' were adopted to describe the plucked technique for string instruments.
Initially it meant 'pinched' (literally), but over time it specialized to the musical sense 'plucked (strings)' and is used as a technical term in scores.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the technique of plucking the strings of a stringed instrument (or a single plucked note or passage produced by that technique).
The composer indicated pizzicato for the cello in the second theme.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum rather than with the bow; describing a passage or effect produced in this way.
A pizzicato passage added a playful texture to the movement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/06 03:38