contralto

American  

[kuhn-tral-toh] / kənˈtræl toʊ /

noun

plural

contraltos

1. the lowest female voice or voice part, intermediate between soprano and tenor.

2. the alto, or highest male voice or voice part.

3. a singer with a contralto voice.

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adjective

1. pertaining to the contralto voice or its compass.

contralto British  

/ kənˈtræltəʊ, -ˈtrɑːl- /

noun

1. In the context of a choir often shortened to: alto.  the lowest female voice, usually having a range of approximately from F a fifth below middle C to D a ninth above it

2. a singer with such a voice

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adjective

1. of or denoting a contralto

   the contralto part

contralto Cultural  

1. The lowest range of the female singing voice; alto.

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Etymology

Origin of contralto

1720–30; < Italian, equivalent to contr(a) contra- ² ( def. ) + alto alto

Example Sentences

The cliché applied to contralto voices is “plummy” and Heynis offers its reverse, a sort of lean, emotional essentialism in a deep and beautiful voice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

Taking her cues from the likes of Elvis Presley and Eartha Kitt, she began training her famous contralto.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2024

The new arrangements emphasise the sumptuous timbre of Spiteri's contralto, adding fresh intimacy to familiar melodies.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2024

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s home is being renamed Marian Anderson Hall in honor of the pioneering Black American contralto, a rare case of an artist’s name replacing a corporation.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2024

“My name is Mrs. Penworthy,” she said in a deep contralto voice.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood