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Altos Meaning in English

word · lemma: alto

ˈæɫtoʊz/, /ˈɔɫˌtoʊs
AL-tohz
ˈæltəʊz
AL-tohz

Definition

Means more than one 'alto': a type of singing voice between soprano and tenor, or a person with that voice, or sometimes a tall man (less common). Also refers to a musical instrument in the alto range.

Usage & Nuances

'Altos' is most commonly used in music—choirs (meaning singers with alto voices) or instruments (like alto saxophones). Rarely used for tall people; 'tall men' is more natural in everyday speech. In Spanish and Portuguese, 'altos' as 'tall men' is much more common.

Example Sentences

The choir has three altos and two sopranos.

basic

Two altos are playing the same notes on their instruments.

basic

The altos sing the harmony parts in this song.

basic

Most of the altos in our group are actually women, even though the part is lower than soprano.

natural

Those two altos always crack jokes during rehearsal.

natural

In our school, the altos sit behind the sopranos on the stage.

natural