Word
cantor
Phoneticscan·tor
US/ˈkæntɝ/
UK/kˈɑːntɔː/
Definition
n. a person who leads the singing in a church or synagogue. They are often trained musicians who help the group follow the music during a religious service.
n. an official who leads the musical elements of a liturgy or religious service. In Jewish tradition, the role involves singing liturgical solos and leading the congregation in prayer.
Examples
“The cantor has a beautiful and powerful singing voice.”
“During the holiday service, the cantor led the congregation in a series of traditional hymns.”
“The cathedral's cantor is responsible not only for leading the choir during Sunday mass but also for selecting the liturgical music for the entire ecclesiastical year.”
Examples
simple
“The cantor has a beautiful and powerful singing voice.”
contextual
“During the holiday service, the cantor led the congregation in a series of traditional hymns.”
complex
“The cathedral's cantor is responsible not only for leading the choir during Sunday mass but also for selecting the liturgical music for the entire ecclesiastical year.”
Usage
Often used in specific religious contexts, particularly within Judaism and certain Christian denominations like Lutheranism or Catholicism.
Real-World Examples
“In between was the recorded voice of a Jewish cantor and congregation, woven amid grungy basslines and keening trumpets, a rhapsodic clarinet solo and a millpond-smooth string chorale.”