# metronome

/mˈɛtɹənˌəʊm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/metronome
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a small device that makes a steady click to help you keep time when you play music. You set how fast or slow it clicks.

For teachers: a mechanical or electronic device that produces regular audible pulses at an adjustable tempo to guide musical performance.

## Examples

- She uses a metronome to keep steady time.
- The piano student turns on the metronome before practising scales to stop rushing the fast passages.
- The conductor insisted the orchestra rehearse the difficult passage against a metronome until the internal pulse felt natural, even at the slower tempo.

---

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.