basso

¹

[ bas-oh, bah-soh; Italian bahs-saw ]

noun

, Music.

, plural bas·sos, Italian bas·si [bahs, -see].

1. a person who sings bass; a bass.

Basso

²

[ bas-oh ]

noun

1. Hamilton, 1904–64, U.S. journalist and novelist.

basso

/ ˈbæsəʊ /

noun

1. (esp in operatic or solo singing) a singer with a bass voice

Word History and Origins

Origin of basso¹

1810–20; < Italian < Late Latin bassus. See base ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of basso¹

C19: from Italian, from Late Latin bassus low; see base ²

Example Sentences

But the payoff for me came when he demonstrated the station’s rare 1934 diaphone fog signal, which sounds off with two descending blasts, basso profundo.

From Los Angeles Times

Artificial intelligence can paint meddlesome monkeys, speak in the basso profundo of James Earl Jones and play a tune to suit a hall of mirrors.

From New York Times

There’s a flicker of ironic recognition in the old man yet, for Shakespeare’s verse still flows elegantly out of Page’s basso instrument.

From Washington Post

As the God of Love, Phillip Bullock travels from airy falsetto to basso profundo depths.

From New York Times

Exaggerating some of the singer’s vocal qualities — the basso burr and steel-wool growls — he instead adds value while suggesting character.

From New York Times