soprano

1 of 2

adjective

so·​pra·​no sə-ˈpra-(ˌ)nō  -ˈprä- 

: relating to or having the range or part of a soprano

soprano

2 of 2

noun

plural sopranos

1

: the highest singing voice of women or boys and formerly of castrati

also : a person having this voice

2

: the highest voice part in a 4-part chorus

3

: a member of a family of instruments having the highest range

Examples of soprano in a Sentence

Noun

She sings in a high soprano.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her story unfolds in a series of flashbacks and interviews with a documentary crew as the American-Greek soprano reflects on her critics, romances and art. —Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Popular on Variety To play one of the most renowned sopranos in the world, Jolie went through rigorous prep, going through every step necessary to pull it off. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 Dec. 2024

For instances onstage, Lachman established breathtaking silhouettes of the soprano from behind to act as an invitation. —Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

The filmmakers and Jolie believed that fur was essential to portray the renowned opera soprano. —Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Italian, adjective & noun, from sopra above, from Latin supra — more at supra-

First Known Use

Adjective

1730, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing soprano

• mezzo-soprano

Kids Definition

soprano

1 of 2 adjective

so·​pra·​no sə-ˈpran-ō  -ˈprän- 

1

: relating to the soprano voice or part

2

: having a high range

soprano sax

soprano

2 of 2 noun

plural sopranos

1

: the highest voice part in harmony for four parts with men's and women's voices compare alto sense 1b, bass entry 2 sense 1a, tenor sense 2a

2

: the highest singing voice of women or boys

also : a person with this voice

Etymology

Adjective

from Italian soprano "relating to a soprano or soprano part," from sopra "above," from Latin supra "above"