falsetto

[ fawl-set-oh ]

noun

, plural fal·set·tos.

1. an unnaturally or artificially high-pitched voice or register, especially in a man.
2. a person, especially a man, who sings with such a voice.

adjective

1. of, noting, or having the quality and compass of such a voice.

adverb

1. in a falsetto.

falsetto

/ fɔːlˈsɛtəʊ /

noun

1. a form of vocal production used by male singers to extend their range upwards beyond its natural compass by limiting the vibration of the vocal cords

Word History and Origins

Origin of falsetto¹

1765–75; < Italian, equivalent to fals ( o ) (< Latin falsus false ) + -etto -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of falsetto¹

C18: from Italian, from falso false

Example Sentences

“Whatever’s wrong with me, I will take to bed,” Cain begins in a slow, vaporous falsetto.

From New York Times

I generally write melodically from more of a falsetto place.

From Los Angeles Times

Anchored by the pleading falsetto of Joseph Quinones, who also acts as songwriter and keyboardist, the debut is filled with the sort of tracks that could convincingly pass for soul 45s from 1966.

From Los Angeles Times

That was evident from the first singles that were released: the moody “Selfish,” and the dreamy reverb of “Drown,” strengthen by Timberlake’s idiosyncratic falsetto.

From Seattle Times

The only instrument we hear is Cherry’s trumpet, in serene and simple harmony with another falsetto voice.

From New York Times