noun
cantor
KAN-tor/ˈkæntɔːr/
A singer who leads music or chanting in religious worship.
The cantor raises a hand to lead the worshippers’ singing.
Etymology
The pieces mean “one who sings.” English adopted this general singer-word specifically for the person who leads singing in a religious service.
In context
cantor and i have often commented at the end of a particularly long friday as we begin to rehearse for shabbat service just how restorative music and song can be
More examples
- A cantor sang the opening phrase before the worshippers joined.
- She trained as a cantor for the synagogue.
- The church’s cantor helped lead the sung responses.
Forms
cantor · cantors
Similar words
- choirmaster
- A choirmaster directs a choir; a cantor personally leads sung worship.
- chanter
- A chanter performs chants; cantor can be a formal religious office with wider musical duties.