alto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal to Neutral (in musical contexts); Neutral to Informal (in extended uses)
Quick answer
What does “alto” mean?
the lowest female singing voice or the highest male singing voice in the standard four-part chorus (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the lowest female singing voice or the highest male singing voice in the standard four-part chorus (soprano, alto, tenor, bass); a singer with such a voice; a musical part written for such a voice.
Something that is high or tall; a person or instrument with a particular vocal or tonal range; in clothing, a size for taller women; in automotive contexts, a model name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core musical meaning. In non-musical contexts, both use it similarly. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Strongly associated with choral and classical music in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in musical contexts. Slightly more likely to be used in non-musical branding (e.g., car models) in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “alto” in a Sentence
She is an alto.He sings alto.She has an alto voice.The alto part is challenging.He plays the alto sax.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alto” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She is an alto singer in the local choir.
- He specialises in the alto clef.
American English
- She has an alto voice perfect for jazz.
- He bought an alto saxophone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in brand names (e.g., 'Suzuki Alto').
Academic
Common in musicology, music theory, and performance studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing music, choirs, singing, or instruments.
Technical
Precise term in music for a specific vocal range and instrumental pitch.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alto”
- Using 'alto' to mean any low female voice without the specific classical/choral training connotation.
- Confusing 'alto' with 'tenor' (the next lower common male voice).
- Misspelling as 'altho'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In choral music, the alto part is typically sung by women (contraltos) or by men using a developed falsetto or head voice (countertenors).
In precise terms, 'contralto' refers to the lowest female voice type. 'Alto' is more commonly used for the choral part (which may be sung by contraltos or countertenors) and is also used for instruments (alto sax).
Yes, though less frequently. It can describe a tall person (archaic/poetic), a clothing size for tall women, and appears in product names (e.g., the Suzuki Alto car).
The alto vocal part is typically written in the treble clef. However, the viola (which has a similar range) uses the alto clef (C clef on the third line).
the lowest female singing voice or the highest male singing voice in the standard four-part chorus (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
Alto is usually formal to neutral (in musical contexts); neutral to informal (in extended uses) in register.
Alto: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæl.təʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæl.toʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ALTO sounds like 'all tall' – think of a tall singer with a deep, high (contrast intended for memory) voice.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIGH/LOW FOR PITCH (The alto voice is 'high' for men but 'low' for women within their respective typical ranges).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'alto' in a musical context?