alto

1 of 2

noun

al·​to ˈal-(ˌ)tō 

ˈȯl-

plural altos

1

a

: countertenor

b

: contralto

2

: the second highest voice part in a 4-part chorus

3

: a member of a family of instruments having a range lower than that of the treble or soprano

especially : an alto saxophone

alto

2 of 2

adjective

: relating to or having the range or part of an alto

Examples of alto in a Sentence

Noun

She sang in her school choir as an alto.

Adjective

He plays the alto sax.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The alto saxophonist had previously gone 0-11 at the Grammys, so this year’s win was a breakthrough. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2024

Though best known for his work on the alto and soprano saxophone, Benjamin was a versatile multi-instrumentalist and daring experimentalist. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian, literally, high, from Latin altus

First Known Use

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

circa 1724, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing alto

• alto-relievo
• alto-rilievo
• male alto

Kids Definition

alto

noun

al·​to

ˈal-tō

plural altos

1

a

: contralto

b

: the second highest of the four voice parts of a mixed chorus compare bass entry 2 sense 1a, soprano entry 2 sense 1, tenor sense 2a

2

: the second highest member of a family of musical instruments

especially : althorn