Dictionary

contralto

noun con·tral·to \kən-ˈtral-(ˌ)tō\

: the lowest female singing voice; also : a female singer with such a voice

plural con·tral·tos

Full Definition of CONTRALTO

a : a singing voice having a range between tenor and mezzo-soprano

b : a person having this voice

: the part sung by a contralto

See contralto defined for English-language learners

See contralto defined for kids

Italian, from contra- + alto

First Known Use: 1740

CONTRALTO Defined for Kids

noun con·tral·to \kən-ˈtral-tō\

plural con·tral·tos

: the lowest female singing voice : alto

: a singer with a low female singing voice

Next Word in the Dictionary: contra mundumPrevious Word in the Dictionary: contralateralAll Words Near: contralto

What made you want to look up contralto? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears