metronome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal, with a strong technical association.
Quick answer
What does “metronome” mean?
A device that produces a regular, audible click at an adjustable tempo, used by musicians to practice playing in a steady rhythm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that produces a regular, audible click at an adjustable tempo, used by musicians to practice playing in a steady rhythm.
Any mechanism or phenomenon that establishes a regular, repetitive pattern or tempo. By extension, a person or thing that imposes a strict, unchanging rhythm or pace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both musical and general contexts in the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “metronome” in a Sentence
play [something] to a/the metronomeset the metronome to [number] BPMuse a metronome for [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metronome” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The conductor asked us to metronome the difficult passage at a painfully slow speed. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- You need to metronome those sixteenth notes until they're even. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- Her metronome precision was both impressive and a little cold. (metaphorical, attributive use)
American English
- He has a metronome-like consistency in his routine. (compound adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically for a predictable, repetitive process: 'The factory line ran with the precision of a metronome.'
Academic
Common in musicology and performance studies texts. May appear in psychology or biology when discussing rhythmic patterns.
Everyday
Primarily used by musicians or students. Non-musicians might use it metaphorically.
Technical
The standard term in music pedagogy, composition, and performance. Specific features like 'subdivision' and 'accent' are discussed.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metronome”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metronome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metronome”
- Mispronouncing the last syllable as '-nome' (like 'gnome'). The stress is always on the first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, metronomes are used by musicians of all genres, including jazz, rock, and pop, to develop steady timing and rhythm.
It stands for 'Beats Per Minute', which is the unit used to measure tempo.
Yes, digital metronome apps are very common and often include advanced features like different time signatures and subdivision options.
It comes from the Greek 'metron' (measure) and 'nomos' (law, regulating), so it means 'law of measure'.
A device that produces a regular, audible click at an adjustable tempo, used by musicians to practice playing in a steady rhythm.
Metronome is usually neutral to formal, with a strong technical association. in register.
Metronome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmet.rə.nəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈme.trə.noʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a human metronome (describing a very rhythmically precise performer).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: METRO (like metre/measure) + NOME (like name, it 'names' the tempo). A device that names/defines the metre.
Conceptual Metaphor
REGULARITY IS A MECHANICAL BEAT / PRECISION IS A STEADY CLICK
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what does 'metronome' typically imply?