basso profundo

noun

bas·​so pro·​fun·​do ˌba-(ˌ)sō-prə-ˈfən-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce basso profundo (audio)
ˌbä-,
-ˈfu̇n- How to pronounce basso profundo (audio)
plural basso profundos
: a deep heavy bass voice with an exceptionally low range
also : a person having this voice

Examples of basso profundo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That booming basso profundo, conveying instant dignity or menace, was Jones’ signature instrument. — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024 And eventually the instrument Jones developed there — a resonant basso profundo that carried majesty and subtlety in its velvet folds — proved the key to financial success and an eternal spot in the pop culture pantheon. — Ew Staff, EW.com, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, deep bass

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basso profundo was in 1844

Browse Nearby Words

basso ostinato
basso profundo
bassora gum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basso profundo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basso%20profundo. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All