diva
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of diva
1880–85; < Italian < Latin dīva, feminine of dīvus god; cf. divine
Explanation
Technically, a diva is a big-time female opera star. Beverly Sills and Maria Callas were two of the world's most renowned divas. More commonly, though, we call anyone who thinks they're more fabulous than everyone else a diva. The word diva was a compliment, one reserved for only the greatest singers in the world. Lately, though, diva has come to describe someone that's acting entitled or holier than thou. A person who acts like the world revolves around her is a diva. If you walk into a packed restaurant and demand the best table snapping, "Don't you know who I am?", well, that's diva behavior.
Vocabulary lists containing diva
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The French striker is either a genius or a diva who has been booed by his own fans.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026
The Grammy-winning “Levitating” pop diva, 30, and “Eternity” actor, 36, exchanged their vows Sunday morning at the historic Old Marylebone Town Hall in Westminster, London, officials confirmed to the Associated Press.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
"I discovered that the vintage pieces that I wore went missing -- my costume that was pulled from my personal archives -- jacket, corset, dress and other garments," the diva wrote.
From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026
After Bruin's victory, the dog's handler described him as "a bit of a diva" who "likes his own way".
From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026
After settling the issue of the pear with Zach, he turns to Britney Harron, who fully inhabits her role as Truman Drama’s designated diva.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
