# accel

/əkˈsɛɫ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accel
Updated: 2026-06-04

## Definition

a short way of saying 'accelerando', which means to play music faster and faster. You see this in sheet music to tell the musician to speed up the tempo.

For teachers: an abbreviation for 'accelerando', indicating a gradual increase in tempo. Used in musical notation to direct the performer to speed up the execution of a passage.

## Examples

- The conductor pointed to the 'accel' in the score.
- The pianist followed the 'accel' marking, gradually increasing the speed of the final movement until the piece reached its climax.
- While the initial section of the symphony is marked at a steady tempo, the composer introduces an 'accel' in the third movement to build tension before the final resolution.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.