opera

¹

[op-er-uh, op-ruh]

noun

1. an extended dramatic composition, in which all parts are sung to instrumental accompaniment, that usually includes arias, choruses, and recitatives, and that sometimes includes ballet.

2. the form or branch of musical and dramatic art represented by such compositions.

3. the score or the words of such a composition.

4. a performance of one.

   to go to the opera.

5. (sometimes initial capital letter),  an opera house or resident company.

   the Paris Opera.

opera

²

[oh-per-uh, op-er-uh]

noun

Chiefly Music.

1. a plural of opus.

opera

¹

/ ˈɒprə, ˈɒpərə /

noun

1. an extended dramatic work in which music constitutes a dominating feature, either consisting of separate recitatives, arias, and choruses, or having a continuous musical structure

2. the branch of music or drama represented by such works

3. the score, libretto, etc, of an opera

4. a theatre where opera is performed

opera

²

/ ˈɒpərə /

noun

1. a plural of opus

opera

1. A musical drama that is totally or mostly sung. Aïda , Carmen, and Don Giovanni are some celebrated operas. A light, comic opera is often called an operetta.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera¹

1635–45; < Italian: work, opera < Latin, plural of opus service, work, a work, opus

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera¹

C17: via Italian from Latin: work, a work, plural of opus work

Related Words

• act 
• appearance 
• behavior 
• concert 
• dance 
• display 
• drama 
• play 
• portrayal 
• presentation 
• production 
• show