burletta

[ ber-let-uh ]

noun

, Theater.

1. (in the 18th and 19th centuries) a musical drama containing rhymed lyrics and resembling comic opera or a comic play containing songs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of burletta¹

1740–50; < Italian, equivalent to burl ( a ) jest ( burlesque ) + -etta -ette

Example Sentences

It may be regarded as a species of prototype of the burletta or ballad opera of later days.

From Project Gutenberg

Every body liked the Burletta, but none were pleased with the music—which has induced me to reset it.

From Project Gutenberg

But the form given to the work is that of the old-fashioned burletta.

From Project Gutenberg

We move ourselves—they are moved by wires; but we do just the same things—we are life and we are art, in the burletta we are both.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Pierce Egan says:—Mr. Barrymores Burletta was thought of, written, and got up, in five days.

From Project Gutenberg