English Reference

Word

soprano

Phoneticsso·pra·no, stress on the second syllable

US/səˈpɹænoʊ/

UK/səpɹˈɑːnəʊ/

Countable noun

Definition

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.

Examples

“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.”

Examples

simple

“She is the lead soprano in the local choir.”

contextual

“The composer wrote a challenging solo specifically for a coloratura soprano with an exceptionally high range.”

complex

“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.”

Usage

Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'soprano sax' or 'soprano aria'.

Real-World Examples

“At some point, any star soprano worth her salt will try her hand at a Verdi album.”
The Guardian 10 Sept 2026

Etymology

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.

Idioms

01. sing soprano

02. singing soprano

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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