singer
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪŋə/
US
- /ˈsɪŋər/
Description
- person who makes music with their voice
- vocalist
- vocal performer
A singer is a person who uses their voice to make music. They may perform alone, with a band, in a choir, or in an opera. They share feeling and meaning through melody and words. Think of Aretha Franklin filling a song with soul, Freddie Mercury owning the stage, or Adele moving listeners with her strong voice.
The context matters: someone may be called a "singer-songwriter" if they write their own songs, or a "lead singer" if they are the main voice in a band. A good singer does more than reach the right notes; they connect with people through the way they perform.
The word "singer" refers to a person who makes musical sounds with their voice. The idea sounds simple, but it covers many styles, skills, and settings. Singers are central to many kinds of music, from opera and jazz to pop, rock, folk, gospel, and country.
Being a singer is about more than having a good voice. A singer brings words and melody to life through tone, rhythm, feeling, and control. Some are known for power, some for softness, and some for a voice that people recognize right away.
The term can be used in both broad and specific ways. It can describe a trained professional on a stage, but it can also describe someone who sings as a hobby or as part of a group. In music, there are many roles: a "lead singer" carries the main vocal line, a "backing singer" supports it, and an opera singer may train for years to master a special style.
Singers have long played an important part in storytelling and culture. From old oral traditions to today's concert halls and streaming playlists, the human voice remains a powerful way to share emotion, meaning, and memory. Whether performing for thousands of people or just singing with friends, a singer uses the voice as an instrument to connect with others.
Examples
- 1
Career ambition
She wants to be a singer when she finishes school.
- 2
Performance anxiety
He's a good singer, but he hates performing in front of people.
- 3
Band role
The lead singer spoke to the audience between songs.
- 4
Supporting role
They hired a backup singer for the tour.
Phrase
backup singer
someone who sings with the main singer
- 5
Amateur singer
My sister isn't a professional singer, but she has a lovely voice.
- 6
Talent show
Several young singers from the area competed in the TV show.
- 7
Musical style
She started out as a jazz singer and later became a pop star.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- singernoun
Forms
- singerspluralnoun