contralto

noun con·tral·to \ kən-ˈtral-(ˌ)tō \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of contralto

plural contraltos

1 a : a singing voice having a range between tenor and mezzo-soprano

b : a person having this voice

2 : the part sung by a contralto

See contralto defined for English-language learners

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Examples of contralto in a Sentence

a duet performed by a soprano and a contralto

Recent Examples of contralto from the Web

Her unusual contralto voice opened doors to the Metropolitan Opera Co. and soloist performance at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 4/6," 6 Apr. 2018
Bullock's voice is deeply rich and richly deep, with both the qualities of Anderson's expressive contralto and Price's electrifying climaxes.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "Kathleen Battle, Julia Bullock and the saga of opera singers of color," 5 Apr. 2018
The Essex Serpentby Sarah Perry, narrated by Juanita McMahon McMahon’s plush contralto is the ideal vehicle for this historical novel set in late Victorian England.

— laura miller, Slate Magazine, "The 8 Best Audiobooks of 2017," 18 Dec. 2017
On the surface, the music from the two icons couldn't be more different, with Dylan's sometimes (OK, usually) unintelligible, almost sotto voce mumble and fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Staples' vibrant and still powerful contralto.

— chuck yarborough, cleveland.com, "Bob Dylan with Mavis Staples, Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie: Also Playing," 31 Oct. 2017
Her movements still retain the fluid lines of a dancer, and her voice has matured into a craggy contralto that penetrates the audio haze of a busy bar, but never farther than a few feet.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "Longtime Trader Vic’s employee says goodbye after 57 years of tiki memories," 1 Nov. 2017
At 42, the contralto opera singer had performed to acclaim throughout the United States and Europe.

— jackie mansky, Smithsonian, "Collection of Eleanor Roosevelt’s Writing Captures the First Lady’s Lasting Relevance," 11 Oct. 2017
Caroline Unger, the contralto at the premiere, gets credit for turning the deaf Beethoven toward the wildly applauding audience, which gave five standing ovations.

— lawrence toppman, charlotteobserver, "At the Symphony: ‘The most important piece of music ever written’," 21 Sep. 2017
Because Batton is a mezzo-soprano and contralto, her roles aren’t limited to younger character roles.

— elizabeth kramer, The Courier-Journal, "Married opera singers reunite on stage for rare Kentucky Opera performance," 6 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contralto.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of contralto

Italian, from contra- + alto

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1740

See Words from the same year

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

CONTRALTO Defined for English Language Learners

contralto

noun

Definition of contralto for English Language Learners

: the lowest female singing voice; also : a female singer with such a voice

CONTRALTO Defined for Kids

contralto

noun con·tral·to \ kən-ˈtral-tō \

Definition of contralto for Students

plural contraltos

1 : the lowest female singing voice : alto

2 : a singer with a low female singing voice

Learn More about contralto

Spanish Central: Translation of contralto Nglish: Translation of contralto for Spanish speakers

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contralto

Definition of contralto

Examples of contralto in a Sentence

Recent Examples of contralto from the Web

Origin and Etymology of contralto

Other Music Terms

CONTRALTO Defined for English Language Learners

contralto

Definition of contralto for English Language Learners

CONTRALTO Defined for Kids

contralto

Definition of contralto for Students

Learn More about contralto

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contralto

Definition of contralto

Examples of contralto in a Sentence

Recent Examples of contralto from the Web

Origin and Etymology of contralto

Other Music Terms

CONTRALTO Defined for English Language Learners

contralto

Definition of contralto for English Language Learners

CONTRALTO Defined for Kids

contralto

Definition of contralto for Students

Learn More about contralto

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