1. A male singer who was castrated before puberty to preserve a high singing voice, especially in 17th and 18th century opera.
Usage: historical; music

Examples

• Farinelli was one of the most famous castrati of the Baroque era.
• The opera featured a castrato in the lead soprano role.
• Castrati were highly valued performers in Italian opera houses during the 1700s.
• The practice of training castrati declined significantly in the 19th century.
• Many castrato singers achieved celebrity status and commanded high fees for performances.