quintet

or quin·tette

[ kwin-tet ]

noun

1. any set or group of five persons or things.
2. an organized group of five singers or players.
3. a musical composition scored for five voices or instruments.

quintet

/ kwɪnˈtɛt /

noun

1. a group of five singers or instrumentalists or a piece of music composed for such a group
2. any group of five

quintet

1. A group of five musicians; also, a piece of music for five instruments or voices.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintet¹

1805–15; < French quintette < Italian quintetto, diminutive of quinto fifth < Latin quīntus

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintet¹

C19: from Italian quintetto, from quinto fifth

Example Sentences

But he’s also emerged as the quintet’s most caring figure.

From Salon

All but one of that quintet has been by a converted score or less.

From BBC

To a casual observer, the quintet might seem like the prototype girl band: Coiffed, choreographed and bristling with confidence.

From BBC

Payne, the resident leader of the quintet, is the first of the millennial-aged group to die, in a sudden tragic incident in Argentina.

From Salon

The dreamy quintet, which drew comparisons to the Beatles, was known for hits “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assemblage
• band
• cast
• choir
• chorus
• orchestra
• quartet
• sextet
• trio
• troupe