ETYM Italian quintetto, dim. of quinto the fifth, a fifth part, from Latin quintus the fifth: cf. French quintette. Related to Quint.
1. A musical composition for five performers; SYN. quintette.
2. A set of five similar things considered as a unit; SYN. quintette.
3. Five people considered as a unit; SYN. quintette, fivesome.
4. Five performers or singers who perform together; SYN. quintette.
An ensemble of five musicians, or the music written for such a group. A common type of quintet is the piano quintet, which often consists of a string quartet and piano.