What does staccato mean?
Staccato is a word for something marked by sharp separation and brief, distinct sounds or movements. In music, it refers to notes played so that they are clearly detached from one another, creating a crisp, energetic articulation. Outside music, it can describe speech or writing that is abrupt, clipped, or emphatically punctuated. The word is also used as an adverb, as in “play it staccato,” and as a noun naming a style or passage marked by this quality. Its figurative uses often suggest energy, urgency, or precision rather than a lack of continuity. Derived from the Italian staccato, meaning “detached,” staccato is especially useful for describing both musical performance and the vivid texture of a voice, gesture, or sentence.
Characterized by short, detached, sharply separated notes, sounds, movements, or units.
"The piece ended with a series of staccato chords."
Most common in musical descriptions, but also used of speech, movement, and writing.
In a short, detached manner.
"The clarinetist played the theme staccato."
Often used as a musical performance direction.
A style or effect in which notes, sounds, or movements are short and clearly separated.
"The recorder solo has a playful staccato."
Common in discussions of music and performance; figurative uses are also established.
Plural forms are used when referring to separate passages or examples of staccato playing or articulation.
"The conductor compared several staccatos from different performances."
Staccato comes from an Italian word meaning “detached,” the same idea that gives us the English word detach.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does staccato come from?
Staccato comes from Italian, where it is the past participle of staccare, “to detach” or “to separate.” The musical term entered English in the nineteenth century, initially describing notes that are clearly separated rather than sustained or connected. Its figurative uses developed later from the same central idea of detachment and crisp separation.
How staccato is actually used
In music, staccato is primarily an adjective and an adverb; as a noun, it can name a style or passage. Figurative uses are common in descriptions of speech, writing, movement, and performance.
Easily confused with staccato
Staccato music consists of short, separated notes, whereas legato music connects notes smoothly.
As a noun, staccato refers to a staccato playing style or passage; as an adjective, it describes notes, speech, or movement performed in that manner.