countertenor

noun

coun·​ter·​ten·​or ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌte-nər How to pronounce countertenor (audio)
: a tenor with an unusually high range (such as an alto range)

Examples of countertenor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Chorus and other soloists (soprano Ying Fang, countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and bass-baritone Nicholas Newton) were all convincing. Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 It’s set to feature soprano Joélle Harvey, countertenor Hugh Cutting, tenor Andrew Haji, baritone Joshua Hopkins and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Jenny Wong. Anne Schrager, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Mar. 2026 The production will feature professional opera singers, including a countertenor, accompanied by dancers and live harpsichord music. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 The dozen gifted singers, under the guidance of music director Tim Keeler ( a former countertenor with the group), have eight performances remaining on the tour. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for countertenor

Word History

Etymology

Middle English countretenour part balancing the tenor, from Middle French contreteneur, from contre- + teneur tenor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of countertenor was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Countertenor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countertenor. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

countertenor

noun
coun·​ter·​ten·​or ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌten-ər How to pronounce countertenor (audio)
: a tenor with an unusually high range

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