Vibrato – A rapid and slight back and forth variation in pitch when singing or playing an instrument; a vibration of pitch

(Pronounced vuh-braa-tow or vih-braa-tow)

To remember what vibrato means, use the following mnemonic:

I know it's vulgar, but if a bra that's stretch is plucked, it makes a wonderful tone (vibrato). You can see it vibrate.

Singing vibrato is produced by moving the position of your larynx (voice box) up and down quickly within your throat. Finger vibrato is used for stringed instruments, which is achieved by either bending the string rapidly or moving your fretting finger along the string forward and backward. No matter which technique is used to create vibrato, they all involve small movements to create slight changes in pitch.

Examples of vibrato used in a sentence

The singer had incredible vibrato.

Vibrato is called for on this note.

Don't over use the vibrato effect.