messa di voce
noun
mes·sa di vo·ce
\ˌmāsədēˈvō(ˌ)chā, ˌmes-\
Definition of messa di voce
messe di voce
\-(ˌ)sād-\: the singing of a gradual crescendo and decrescendo on a long sustained tone —used of a vocal technique originating in 18th century bel canto
From the M-W Editors
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of messa di voce
Italian, literally, placing of the voice
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up messa di voce? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!