soprano
n.the highest singing voice for women or young boys. It also refers to a person who sings in this high range.
n.the highest category of singing voice, typically possessing a range from middle C to high C. Refers both to the vocal range itself and to a singer who performs within it.
“She is the lead soprano in the local choir.”
“The composer wrote a challenging solo specifically for a coloratura soprano with an exceptionally high range.”
“While the choir features several talented vocalists, the clarity and power of the lead soprano allow her voice to soar above the orchestral accompaniment during the finale.”
Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'soprano sax' or 'soprano aria'.
“At some point, any star soprano worth her salt will try her hand at a Verdi album.”
Borrowed from Italian soprano, from Vulgar Latin *superānus, adjective from preposition Latin super (“above”). Doublet of sovereign, from the same Latin root via Old French.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.