soprano

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

noun

, plural so·pran·os.

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

Callas was a US-born Greek soprano, and one of opera's most well-known opera singers.

From BBC

A talented boy soprano, he sung in St Michael's Parish Church.

From BBC

The legendary soprano, stricken by illness, would no longer perform in the title role of Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma" before an esteemed assembly that included the President of Italy.

From Salon

How fitting, then, that “Maria” begins like a gallery view of the mythic soprano’s storied history.

From Salon

She had failed to appreciate that the work was conceived on different physical planes, with the soprano and the choir raised above the other singers, representing heaven.

From BBC

Related Words

• singer