1. plural of ostinato; repeated musical phrases or rhythmic patterns
Usage: music

Examples

• The composer used several ostinati to create a hypnotic effect.
• The piano piece featured interlocking ostinati in both hands.
• Minimalist composers often build entire works around simple ostinati.
• The orchestra played different ostinati that gradually came together.
• Students practiced identifying ostinati in various classical pieces.
• The jazz arrangement incorporated ostinati from the original melody.