mezzo-soprano

noun

mez·​zo-so·​pra·​no ˌmet-(ˌ)sō-sə-ˈpra-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce mezzo-soprano (audio)
-ˈprä-, 
ˌmed-(ˌ)zō-
: a woman's voice with a range between soprano and contralto
also : a singer having this voice

Examples of mezzo-soprano in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But apart from that, there’s the matter of just how awfully spirit-lifting her earth-angel mezzo-soprano tends to be, even when backing herself into dark corners before backing her way back out again. — Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026 The mezzo-soprano was already vastly experienced in singing at sporting events and had carved out a niche for herself as the go-to performer on the big cricketing occasion. — Paul Newman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The mezzo-soprano Andrea Baker, nude but for a wing-tip collar and rubber hip waders, took the position of conductor. — Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 This week, led by conductor James Gaffigan, the Symphony performs a program dedicated to the beloved conductor, in a performance featuring Beethoven’s glorious Ninth Symphony, with vocalists soprano Jessica Faselt, mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, tenor Thomas Cooley, and bass Peixin Chen. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mezzo-soprano

Word History

Etymology

Italian mezzosoprano, from mezzo + soprano soprano

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mezzo-soprano was in 1838

Rhymes for mezzo-soprano

See All Rhymes for mezzo-soprano

Browse Nearby Words

mezzo-relievo
mezzo-soprano
mezzo-soprano clef
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Cite this Entry

“Mezzo-soprano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mezzo-soprano. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mezzo-soprano

noun
mez·​zo-so·​pra·​no
ˌmet-sō-sə-ˈpran-ō, 
ˌmed-zō-, 
-ˈprän-
: a woman's voice between that of the soprano and contralto
also : a singer having such a voice

More from Merriam-Webster on mezzo-soprano

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mezzo-soprano

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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