Staccato

usgb/stəˈkɑːtəʊ/
adjective

Sounds or notes that are short, separate and clipped.

The staccato notes of the piano echoed throughout the concert hall.
Visual representation of "staccato" - Sounds or notes that are short, separate and clipped.

Often appears as...

  • staccato notes
  • play staccato

Usage tips

Musical

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "staccato"
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Emotion in Music

Staccato creates tension or excitement in music, not smooth or calm feelings.

Illustration for Emotion in Music
The chase scene's music featured rapid staccato beats.
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Visualizing Notes

Imagine staccato notes as dots jumping on the page; they're brief and energized.

Illustration for Visualizing Notes
She played the staccato melody as if each note bounced.
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Not Legato

Staccato is the opposite of legato, where notes connect smoothly.

Illustration for Not Legato
The violinist switched from legato to staccato for contrast.
Visual representation of the word "Staccato"

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