English · Word Candidate

rhythm

/ˈɹɪð.m̩/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: rhythms · rhythming · rhythmed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The variation of strong and weak elements (such as duration, accent) of sounds, notably in speech or music, over time; a beat or meter.

Noun

Examples

Dance to the rhythm of the music.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A specifically defined pattern of such variation.

Noun

Examples

Most dances have a rhythm as distinctive as the Iambic verse in poetry

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To impart a (particular) rhythm to.

Verb

Examples

The pamphlet, writes Muray, 'is the supremely affirmative form in which nothing can be turned around, rhythmed or played with in synonyms and rhymes'.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “rhythm” mean?

The variation of strong and weak elements (such as duration, accent) of sounds, notably in speech or music, over time; a beat or meter.

Is “rhythm” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.