opera

op-er-a · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A dramatic work set to music, in which singers and musicians perform a theatrical story.

  2. 2.

    A building or theater where operas are performed.

  3. 3.

    The art form or genre of musical theater involving operatic works.

Forms

plural: operas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    soap opera — a serialized dramatic television or radio program
  • •
    opera glasses — small binoculars used in theaters
  • •
    grand opera — large-scale opera with elaborate staging

Related words

See also: aria, libretto, operatic, soprano
Synonyms: musical drama

Etymology

From Italian opera ("work"), from Latin opera ("work, effort"), the plural of opus. The musical sense developed in Italy in the late 16th century.