# rhythmic

/ˈɹɪðmɪk/ (US) · /ɹˈɪðmɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rhythmic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. regular sound or movement

adjective · CEFR B2

having a regular, repeating pattern of sound or movement that feels like a beat.

For teachers: characterized by a regular, recurring pattern of sounds, beats, or movements.

- The rhythmic sound of the rain on the roof helped him fall asleep.
- The rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock was the only sound in the otherwise silent library.

### 2. musical structure

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the rhythm or beat in music.

For teachers: relating to the temporal structure of music, specifically the arrangement of sounds and silences in time.

- The drummer provided a strong rhythmic foundation for the rest of the band.
- The composer experimented with complex rhythmic patterns that challenged the traditional expectations of the audience.

### 3. poetry and verse

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

written with a regular beat or pattern, like a poem.

For teachers: written in verse or characterized by a metrical structure, often involving rhyme or specific syllable patterns.

- The rhythmic flow of the poem made it very easy to memorize.
- The translator struggled to preserve the rhythmic qualities of the original epic while maintaining literal accuracy.

## Examples

- The rhythmic sound of the drums fills the room.
- The athlete maintained a rhythmic breathing pattern to stay calm during the final minutes of the race.
- The poet uses rhythmic language to mirror the ebb and flow of the tide, creating a hypnotic effect that draws the reader into the narrative.

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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.