Definition

1. Noun:
   • A synagogue official who leads liturgical singing: A cantor is the person in a synagogue who leads the congregational prayers, often singing or chanting them as solos.
   • The musical director of a choir: In a broader musical context, a cantor can refer to the leader or precentor of a choir, especially in some Christian churches.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The cantor's voice filled the synagogue during the High Holy Days.
  • The choir's cantor directed the singers from the front of the chapel.

Advanced Usage

• "Cantor emeritus": A title of honor for a retired cantor who has served with distinction.
  • After forty years of service, he was named cantor emeritus of the congregation.

Variants and Related Words

• Cantorial (adj): Pertaining to a cantor or the cantor's role.
  • She studied cantorial music and liturgy.

Synonyms

• Precentor: A person who leads a congregation or choir in singing, especially in a church.
• Chazan: The Hebrew term for a Jewish cantor.

Noun

1. the official of a synagogue who conducts the liturgical part of the service and sings or chants the prayers intended to be performed as solos
2. the musical director of a choir