What is meant by the musical expression legato?

Answer 1

In musical notation the Italian word legato (literally meaning "tied together") indicates that musical notes are played smoothly. That is, in transitioning from note to note, there should be no intervening silence. Legato technique is required for slurred performance, but unlike slurring (as that term is interpreted for some instruments), legato does not forbid rearticulation. In standard notation legato is indicated either with the word legato itself, or by a curved line over or under the notes that are to be joined in one legato group.

Answer 2

Notes are tied together and played smoothly or perhaps slurred with no gaps in between. Often seen in tablature/notation with a curved line linking the notes in question. For guitar a steady string of hammer-ons and pull-offs are a good example. The opposite would be Stacccato, where the notes stop before moving on