WordGarden.iorhythm
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɪðəm/
US
- /ˈrɪðəm/
Meanings
Noun
the pattern of beats and accents that shapes music
a regular repeated pace or pattern in movement, activity, or natural processes
the flow and pattern of sounds or stresses in speech or writing
Beyond the definition
Rhythm isn't just about music! It's the regular, repeated pattern of something—a beat in a song, the rise and fall of waves, or even the way you walk. Think of a heartbeat: steady, predictable, rhythmic. A good storyteller uses rhythm in their language to keep you hooked, while a skilled dancer embodies it with every move.
You might say a poem has a beautiful rhythm, or that a city's nightlife has a fast-paced rhythm. Sometimes, even life itself seems to have its own unique rhythm—periods of calm followed by bursts of activity. Writers have long understood this; for example, many of Shakespeare's lines follow iambic pentameter, a pattern that gives his poetry a steady, natural flow.
Rhythm refers to a recurring pattern of sounds, movements, or events. While most commonly associated with music—where it defines the beat, tempo, and overall feel—rhythm exists in countless aspects of life. Think about the predictable ebb and flow of ocean tides, the consistent cycle of seasons, or even the way your breath moves in and out.
In music, rhythm is created by stressing certain beats within a measure, giving the song its groove and energy. A complex rhythm can be exciting and unpredictable, while a simple rhythm can be calming and meditative. But it's not limited to sound! You might describe someone's walk as having a "good rhythm," meaning their steps are fluid and coordinated.
Figuratively, rhythm can also refer to the natural flow or pace of something. "We fell into a comfortable rhythm with our daily tasks" suggests an efficient and harmonious routine. A writer might strive for rhythmic prose—sentences that have a pleasing cadence and flow. A politician's speech may lack rhythm if it feels disjointed and uninspired.
From the beating of your heart to the pulse of a city, rhythm is all about repetition, pattern, and the underlying structure that gives life its movement and energy. It's what makes things feel right—balanced, harmonious, and alive.
Examples
- 1
Music
The drummer kept a steady rhythm while the crowd clapped along.
- 2
Dancing
She has a good sense of rhythm, so dancing comes naturally to her.
- 3
Running
After a few minutes of running, I found a rhythm and stopped thinking about my breathing.
- Phrasefind a rhythm
settle into a steady, comfortable way of doing something
- 4
Writing
The phone calls kept breaking my rhythm while I was writing.
- Phrasebreak someone’s rhythm
interrupt the smooth flow of what they are doing
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Speech
The teacher spoke slowly, with a clear rhythm that was easy to follow.
- 6
Small-town life
It takes time to get used to the rhythm of life in a small town.
- 7
Sports momentum
The team finally got into a rhythm in the second half of the game.
- Phraseget into a rhythm
start doing something smoothly and consistently
- 8
Sleep schedule
My sleep rhythm gets completely out of sync when I work night shifts.
- Phrasesleep rhythm
your usual pattern of sleeping and waking
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- steady rhythm
- sense of rhythm
- rhythm section
- circadian rhythm
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- rhythmnoun
Forms
- rhythmspluralnoun