Meaning & use

tenor

noun·Academic

The highest common adult male singing voice, or a singer with this voice.

See it in a sentence

The tenor's powerful high notes brought the audience to its feet.

He trained for years to become the opera company's leading tenor.

A note on using this word

Also means the general meaning, mood, or direction of something, as in "the tenor of the debate turned hostile."

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. noun

The general meaning, character, or attitude running through a speech, discussion, or piece of writing.

The tenor of the meeting shifted once the budget cuts were announced.

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