Tempo is the speed at which music moves. A fast tempo makes music feel energetic and exciting, like a racing heartbeat, while a slow tempo creates a calm, thoughtful feeling. When a drummer keeps a steady tempo, the band can play together smoothly.

Musicians measure tempo in beats per minute. A march might have a tempo of 120 beats per minute, perfect for soldiers walking in step. A lullaby might be only 60 beats per minute, gentle enough to help a baby fall asleep. Composers write Italian words like allegro (fast) or adagio (slow) on sheet music to tell performers what tempo to use.

The word also describes the speed or pace of anything, not just music. A basketball game might have a fast tempo, with both teams running up and down the court quickly. A teacher might ask students to pick up the tempo when working on a group project, meaning to work faster and with more energy. When someone says a movie has a slow tempo, they mean the story unfolds gradually rather than rushing from scene to scene.