Definition

1. Noun:

   • The second lowest adult male singing voice: A baritone is a male voice type that falls between the higher tenor and the lower bass in vocal range.
   • A singer with such a voice: A baritone is a male singer who possesses and performs with this specific vocal range.
   • A brass instrument: A baritone is a brass wind instrument, specifically a type of saxhorn, that is pitched similarly to the baritone voice.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to the baritone range: Describing a voice, instrument, or part that is lower than tenor and higher than bass.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Voice/Singer):
  • He is a talented baritone in the opera company.
  • The baritone solo in the requiem was profoundly moving.
• Noun (Instrument):
  • He switched from trumpet to baritone in the brass band.
• Adjective:
  • She has a rich, baritone speaking voice.
  • The composer wrote a baritone oboe part for the piece.

Advanced Usage

• "Baritone saxophone": A saxophone that is larger than an alto and smaller than a tenor, pitched in E♭. (Note: This is a compound term listed here as an example of advanced usage, not as the core definition of "baritone").
  • The jazz ensemble featured a memorable baritone saxophone solo.

Variants and Related Words

• Baritone horn (n): A brass instrument, essentially synonymous with the "baritone" as an instrument in some contexts, particularly in concert bands.
• Baryton (n): An archaic spelling or variant, sometimes referring to a specific historical string instrument.

Synonyms

• Voice type: (For the vocal category) No direct single-word synonym, but described as a "middle male voice."
• Singer: Vocalist, crooner (context-dependent).
• Instrument: Euphonium (a closely related but distinct brass instrument).

Related Phrases

• "Baritone clef": A C clef placed on the third line of the staff, historically used for baritone vocal parts.
  • The old score was notated in baritone clef.
• "Baritone part": The musical line written for a baritone voice or instrument.
  • The baritone part in this chorus is quite challenging.

Related Idioms

Adjective

1. lower in range than tenor and higher than bass
   • a baritone voice
   • baritone oboe

Noun

1. the second lowest brass wind instrument
2. the second lowest adult male singing voice
3. a male singer