A musical term describing the highest natural range of the male voice, or someone who sings in this vocal range: "The musical composition called for a tenor to sing the lead role."

"Her brother is a tenor and enjoys singing in concerts."

The general idea of something: "The first paragraph in the essay gave the tenor for the rest of the composition."

Any of a number of musical instruments that have a high musical range: "Her friend plays the tenor saxophone in the jazz quartet."

The time frame during which a position is held, or the status granted an individual in a professional position as an assurance against unexpected dismissal: "My sister has a secure tenure with the board of education where she works."

"After five years, my friend's father was granted tenure as professor in our local university."