contralto

[kuhn-tral-toh]

noun

plural

contraltos 

1. the lowest female voice or voice part, intermediate between soprano and tenor.

2. the alto, or highest male voice or voice part.

3. a singer with a contralto voice.

adjective

1. pertaining to the contralto voice or its compass.

contralto

/ kənˈtræltəʊ, -ˈtrɑːl- /

noun

1. In the context of a choir often shortened to: alto. the lowest female voice, usually having a range of approximately from F a fifth below middle C to D a ninth above it

2. a singer with such a voice

adjective

1. of or denoting a contralto

   the contralto part

contralto

1. The lowest range of the female singing voice; alto.

Word History and Origins

Origin of contralto¹

1720–30; < Italian, equivalent to contr(a) contra- ² ( def. ) + alto alto

Word History and Origins

Origin of contralto¹

C18: from Italian; see _contra- , _alto

Example Sentences

With her electric green eyes, corkscrew hair and husky contralto voice, Dame Cleo became the most recognisable British jazz singer in history.

From BBC

The new arrangements emphasise the sumptuous timbre of Spiteri's contralto, adding fresh intimacy to familiar melodies.

From BBC

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s home is being renamed Marian Anderson Hall in honor of the pioneering Black American contralto, a rare case of an artist’s name replacing a corporation.

From Seattle Times

Marian Anderson, the renowned contralto and civil rights figure who broke racial barriers in the arts and helped pave the way for other Black artists, is being honored in her hometown, Philadelphia.

From New York Times

Across her wide contralto range she could easily alternate between thick vibrato and crystal-clear precision.

From New York Times