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Definition of cantata

cantata

/kənˈtɑː.tə/
can · ta · ta
Plural:cantatas
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cantata Lexical Profile

cantata Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A medium-length narrative musical composition for one or more voices with instrumental accompaniment, typically comprising solos, arias, recitatives, and choruses.

Example

"The community choir spent three months rehearsing a sacred cantata by Johann Sebastian Bach for the winter concert."

• Rhymes for cantata

• Nearby Words

cantaloupe
cantankerous
cantankerously
cantata
canteen
canter
canterbury

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 18th century from Italian 'cantata', literally meaning 'sung piece' (short for 'aria cantata'), from the feminine past participle of 'cantare' ('to sing'), from Latin 'cantare'. It emerged in contrast to 'sonata', which referred to an instrumental piece that was 'sounded' or played.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cantata. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cantata
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