countertenor

noun

coun·​ter·​ten·​or ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌte-nər 

: a tenor with an unusually high range (such as an alto range)

Examples of countertenor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a dressing room near the amphitheatre on Little Island, a makeup artist (James Kaliardos, standing) was pouring his attention and a wealth of beauty supplies onto a countertenor (Anthony Roth Costanzo, seated). —Henry Alford, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

Where the strain required for a tenor to hit that upper register lends these verses an acerbic, explosive edge, a countertenor can approach the same lines with lamblike lyricism, as Mobley did. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

With countertenor Christophe Dumaux in the title role and soprano Louise Alder as Cleopatra, expect a dynamic performance. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025

Singing on this occasion were Stephanie Blythe (mezzo-soprano) and David Daniels (countertenor). —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 18 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for countertenor

• congener
• gener
• penner
• tenor
• tenour
• thenar

Kids Definition

countertenor

noun

coun·​ter·​ten·​or ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌten-ər 

: a tenor with an unusually high range