noun
quintet
kwin-TET/kwɪnˈtet/
A group of five related members.
All five musicians in the quintet take turns playing solos.
Etymology
The “fifth” base supplied the number in a name for music written for five voices or instruments. The name then shifted from the composition to its five performers, and more generally a group of five.
In context
when I went from the big Ensemble orchestra playing to the brass quintet I remember getting accustomed to walking out on stage with only five people
More examples
- A quintet of finalists waits backstage for the judges' decision.
- She arranges a quintet of small vases along the mantel.
- The musicians rehearse a new string quintet before tonight's concert.
Forms
quintet · quintets