mezzo-soprano

noun

mez·​zo-so·​pra·​no ˌmet-(ˌ)sō-sə-ˈpra-(ˌ)nō 

-ˈprä-,

ˌmed-(ˌ)zō-

: a woman's voice with a range between soprano and contralto

also : a singer having this voice

Examples of mezzo-soprano in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rebirth in this thrillingly massive symphony for a massive orchestra and chorus, along with soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, was writ exceedingly large, transparent and loud. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025

The concert will include music by Schumann, Beethoven and Goldmark performed by mezzo-soprano Christina Pezzarossi, violinists Sheng-Ching Hsu and Chiai Tajima, violist Alexander Granger, cellist Ben Solomonow and pianist Xiao Chen. —La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025

The mezzo-soprano Melina Jaharis found an oasis of pathos in that moment, although the decision to present the character as female meant that the gay subtext fell by the wayside. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

Chicago Tribune Beyoncé’s use of her elegant mezzo-soprano and mile-wide smile indicated otherwise, yet her turns as an admonishing, vengeant rebel placed her in a whole other universe. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian mezzosoprano, from mezzo + soprano soprano

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mezzo-soprano

• americano
• castellano
• cebuano
• mexicano
• chicano
• hispano
• serrano
• solano
• soprano
• llano
• mano

Kids Definition

mezzo-soprano

noun

mez·​zo-so·​pra·​no

ˌmet-sō-sə-ˈpran-ō,

ˌmed-zō-,

-ˈprän-

: a woman's voice between that of the soprano and contralto

also : a singer having such a voice