A soprano is a type of classical female singing voice and has the highest vocal range of all voice types. The word "soprano" comes from the Italian word sopra (above, over, on top of), as the soprano is the highest pitch human voice, often given to the leading female roles in operas. However, the term "soprano" can also be applied to men. There are many types of sopranos such as coloratura soprano, lyric soprano, and soubrette, which differ in vocal agility, vocal weight, timbre, and voice quality. All sopranos have the ability to sing higher notes with ease, but a singers vocal range is defined by their physique and size of their vocal cords, not their skill or how professional they are.

The typical soprano vocal range is B3–C6. A soprano and a mezzo-soprano have a similar range, but their tessituras will lie in different parts of that range. A dramatic soprano (or soprano robusto) has a powerful, rich, emotive voice that can sing over a full orchestra. Usually, this voice has a lower tessitura than other sopranos, and a darker timbre. Some dramatic sopranos, known as Wagnerian sopranos, have a very big voice that can assert itself over an exceptionally large orchestra.

In summary, a soprano is a type of classical female singing voice with the highest vocal range of all voice types. The term "soprano" can also be applied to men. There are many types of sopranos, and all sopranos have the ability to sing higher notes with ease. The typical soprano vocal range is B3–C6.