What does pizzicato mean?
Pizzicato is a musical term for playing a string instrument by plucking its strings with the fingers instead of drawing a bow across them. The technique produces a clear, light, and often percussive sound, and a passage played this way may itself be called a pizzicato. In orchestral and chamber music, pizzicato is frequently contrasted with arco, the instruction to use the bow. The word is also used as an adjective, as in “a pizzicato bass line,” to indicate that notes should be plucked. Pizzicato is especially associated with strings, including the violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp, although the principle can be applied more broadly to other instruments. Its distinctive sound can suggest bounce, lightness, energy, or a sharply articulated rhythm. The term comes from Italian, where it means “plucked,” and is now used regularly in English musical terminology.
A technique of playing a string instrument by plucking the strings with the fingers rather than using a bow; also, a passage or effect played in this way.
"The composer opened the movement with a pizzicato for the strings."
The plural pizzicatos is used for separate passages, effects, or examples of the technique.
Played by plucking strings with the fingers rather than by using a bow.
"The arrangement ends with a pizzicato bass line."
Usually used in reference to string instruments or to music for string instruments.
The plural of the noun pizzicato, used for separate passages, effects, or examples of the technique.
"The suite contains several playful pizzicatos for strings."
Pizzicato literally means “plucked” in Italian: the string is pinched and released instead of drawn across with a bow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pizzicato come from?
Pizzicato comes from Italian, where it is the past participle of pizzicare, “to pluck,” and literally means “plucked.” The related Italian noun pizzicatura refers to plucking or the act of producing sound by plucking. The musical term entered English usage during the 19th century and became especially associated with orchestral and string-instrument performance.
Related word forms
How pizzicato is actually used
Pizzicato is primarily used in musical contexts and is most often applied to string instruments. In notation or descriptive writing, it contrasts with arco, which indicates that a string instrument should be bowed. The plural pizzicatos is used for separate passages, effects, or examples of the technique.