# rondo

/ɹˈɒndəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rondo
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. musical form

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a piece of music where the main tune returns several times between other different tunes.

For teachers: a musical form or composition in which a principal theme recurs at least three times in the same key, interspersed with contrasting episodes.

- The final movement of the piano concerto was a lively rondo.
- The composer utilized a classic rondo structure for the finale, ensuring the spirited main theme provided a familiar anchor for the listener.

Usage: Often used to describe the final movement of a sonata or concerto.

### 2. football training drill

noun · CEFR B2

a game where one group of players tries to keep the ball while a smaller group tries to take it.

For teachers: a training drill in association football where one group of players attempts to maintain possession in a circle while a smaller group in the center tries to intercept the ball.

- The team started their practice session with a quick rondo to improve their passing.
- The coach emphasized the importance of the rondo for developing spatial awareness and rapid decision-making under pressure.

### 3. grape variety

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a type of dark-skinned grape used to make red wine.

For teachers: a dark-skinned, cold-hardy hybrid grape variety used primarily for wine production in northern climates.

- This vineyard grows Rondo grapes because they survive the cold winters well.
- The winemaker noted that the Rondo grapes provided a deep color and high acidity, which balanced the blend perfectly.

### 4. gambling game

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

an old game played with small balls on a table for money.

For teachers: A gambling game played with small balls on a table, now largely obsolete.

- The old book described men playing rondo in the back of the tavern.
- Historical accounts of the district mention rondo as a popular pastime among the sailors during the nineteenth century.

## Examples

- The final movement of the sonata is a lively rondo.
- The composer chose a rondo for the finale to ensure the audience would leave humming the main melody.
- While the classical rondo typically maintains a lighthearted character, later Romantic composers experimented with the form to introduce greater emotional weight and structural complexity.

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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.