contralto
Americannoun
plural
contraltos-
the lowest female voice or voice part, intermediate between soprano and tenor.
-
the alto, or highest male voice or voice part.
-
a singer with a contralto voice.
adjective
noun
-
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
-
a singer with such a voice
adjective
Etymology
Origin of contralto
1720–30; < Italian, equivalent to contr(a) contra- 2 ( def. ) + alto alto
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The cliché applied to contralto voices is “plummy” and Heynis offers its reverse, a sort of lean, emotional essentialism in a deep and beautiful voice.
“My name is Mrs. Penworthy,” she said in a deep contralto voice.
From Literature
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
