noun
Uncommon
tenor
TEH-nuh
Tenor (noun) means a male singing voice higher than baritone and bass, or a singer with that voice. Example: “The tenor hit a stunning high note in the final act.”
noun
1
A male singing voice higher than baritone and bass, or a singer with that voice.
"The tenor hit a stunning high note in the final act."
2
The general tone, mood, or direction of something said or written.
"The tenor of the meeting turned tense once budgets were mentioned."
How to use tenor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the high male singing voice, or the general mood/direction of a conversation or piece of writing.
Common pairings
the tenor of the debate
a tenor voice
tenor saxophone
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Word forms
- Plural
- tenors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ hit a stunning high note in the final act.
Etymology
From Latin tenor ("course, continuance, holder"), from tenere ("to hold") — in music, named for the voice that "holds" the main melody.
Synonyms
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strain
tenor voice
Related words
Rhymes for tenor
See all rhymes for tenor →Frequently asked questions
What does “tenor” mean?
The word “tenor” means a male singing voice higher than baritone and bass, or a singer with that voice. In plain terms, either the high male singing voice, or the general mood/direction of a conversation or piece of writing.
How do you pronounce “tenor”?
“Tenor” is pronounced TEH-nuh (/ˈtɛnə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “tenor” in a sentence?
Here is “tenor” used in a sentence: “The tenor hit a stunning high note in the final act.”
What part of speech is “tenor”?
“Tenor” is a noun.
Where does the word “tenor” come from?
The word “tenor” comes from Latin. From Latin tenor ("course, continuance, holder"), from tenere ("to hold") — in music, named for the voice that "holds" the main melody.
Is “tenor” a common word?
“Tenor” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tenor” have?
“Tenor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male singing voice higher than baritone and bass, or a singer with that voice.
