Definition

A quick slide between musical notes, moving smoothly from one to another without breaks.

Example

The pianist added a beautiful glissando to the melody, making it sound more expressive.

Conversation

Did you hear that amazing glissando in the song we were listening to?

Yeah, it really added a unique touch to the melody!

I love how it creates such a smooth transition between the notes.

Exactly! It makes the music feel so much more expressive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Glissando comes from the Italian word 'glissare' (meaning to glide), which is derived from 'glissare' (meaning to slide). The term describes a musical technique where a performer glides from one note to another.

Memory Tip

Imagine a musician 'gliding' ('glissare') smoothly between notes — that's what glissando means.

Visually Confused Words