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contralto

noun con·tral·to \ kən-ˈtral-(ˌ)tō \
|Updated on: 21 Jul 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

See contralto defined for kids

Examples of contralto in a Sentence

  1. a duet performed by a soprano and a contralto

Recent Examples of contralto from the Web

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

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

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

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