countertenor
Americannoun
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an adult male voice or voice part higher than the tenor.
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a singer with such a voice; a high tenor.
noun
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an adult male voice with an alto range
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a singer with such a voice
Etymology
Origin of countertenor
1350–1400; Middle English cownturenur, apparently < Anglo-French; compare Middle French contreteneur, Old Italian contratenore, equivalent to contra- contra- 2 ( def. ) + tenore tenor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last year, director Barrie Kosky created a sensation with his staging at Komische Oper Berlin, which starred American countertenor John Holiday.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026
They also needed a countertenor to round out their quartet—and Darshan, already a viral sensation in India, was the best person for the job.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026
Anthony Roth Costanzo was hired Thursday as general director and president of Opera Philadelphia and will continue his career as a leading countertenor while taking over an ambitious company dealing with post-pandemic economic challenges.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 25, 2024
Instead, he’s publicly approved the more poisonous voices expressing their displeasure with López’s season, some of whom have a real incel countertenor in their tone.
From Salon • Feb. 21, 2024
His performances and his dozens of recordings encouraged other singers to explore the countertenor repertory, and Mr. Winwood said he was always generous with advice and support for younger singers.
From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
