1. the rhythm or flow of sounds in speech or music
2. the rise and fall of the voice in speaking
3. a sequence of chords that brings a musical phrase to a close
Usage: music

Examples

• The poet’s verses had beautiful cadences that made them pleasant to read aloud.
• She spoke with the gentle cadences of her Southern upbringing.
• The music teacher explained how different cadences create various emotional effects.
• His speech had the measured cadences of a practiced orator.
• The song ended with a perfect cadence that resolved all the tension.
• The cadences of the foreign language sounded musical to her ears.
• Classical composers often used deceptive cadences to surprise listeners.