soprano

[suh-pran-oh, -prah-noh]

noun

plural

sopranos 

1. the uppermost part or voice.

2. the highest singing voice in women and boys.

3. a part for such a voice.

4. a singer with such a voice.

adjective

1. of or relating to a soprano; having the compass of a soprano.

soprano

/ səˈprɑːnəʊ /

noun

1. the highest adult female voice, having a range approximately from middle C to the A a thirteenth above it

2. the voice of a young boy before puberty

3. a singer with such a voice

4. the highest part of a piece of harmony

5. 1. the highest or second highest instrument in a family of instruments

   2. ( as modifier )

      a soprano saxophone

soprano

1. The highest range of the female singing voice. (Compare alto and mezzo soprano.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of soprano¹

1720–30; < Italian: literally, what is above, high, equivalent to sopra (< Latin suprā above) + -ano adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of soprano¹

C18: from Italian, from sopra above, from Latin suprā

Example Sentences

Sanchez recounted the time when his soprano saxophone was stolen — and Palmieri helped him pay for a new one.

From Los Angeles Times

She went to dozens of auditions but recalled that "a fat soprano singing Madame Butterfly rather badly always won".

From BBC

The bats colonising Ms Murchie's home are soprano pipistrelles, which are among the most common and widespread of British bat species.

From BBC

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.

From Los Angeles Times

He shows no mercy for the solo soprano part, but Redpath astounded as she scaled the heights.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• singer