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Cadence has a number of meanings, most of which revolve around music of various sorts.

• In running, cadence is the number of steps per minute. The average cadence for many successful distance runners has been found to be in the 180-200 region.
• In cycling, cadence is the number of revolutions of the cranks per minute. Cyclists typically have a preferred cadence at which they feel most comfortable, and on bicycles with many gears it is possible to stick to a favourite cadence at a wide range of speeds. Recreational and utility cyclists typically cycle around 60–80 rpm; racing cyclists around 80–120 rpm and sprinters up to 170 rpm for short bursts. Cycling great Lance Armstrong is known for his high cadence of 120 rpm. Some cyclists believe that some cadences are more efficient than others, but the wide range of preferred cadences among racing cyclists suggest that the difference, if any, is small.
• In music, a cadence is a chord pattern that often comes at the closing of a musical phrase.
• In dance, a cadence is a dance move which ends a phrase. For example, the cadence in a galliard step refers to the final leap in a cinquepace sequence.
• In the United States armed forces, a cadence is a chant that is sung by military personnel while running or marching, also known as a jody call (main article).
• In the modern marching band, a drum cadence is a work played exclusively by the percussion section, as an embellished way of giving a beat to the marchers. These cadences are descended from the early military marches, and are most often used during parades. They may also be played as pep songs, while marching onto the field, or even as dance breaks during the field show .
• There is also an electronic design automation company called Cadence Design Systems.