Gilbert and Sullivan

Cultural  

1. Two Englishmen of the nineteenth century who wrote many witty operettas satirizing society of the Victorian period (see satire). W. S. (William Schwenck) Gilbert wrote the song lyrics and spoken dialogue, and Arthur Sullivan wrote the music. Their works include H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado, and The Pirates of Penzance.

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Example Sentences

He built the Savoy Hotel and Savoy Theatre and produced the first operettas from Gilbert and Sullivan.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

Ed says he only realised much later that "she was singing to me songs from Gilbert and Sullivan", the Victorian-era duo Lee "adored" all her life.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

The Western figures intent on racking up trading victories are hilariously sent up in “Please Hello,” a Gilbert and Sullivan inspired number that nonetheless maintains the Japanese point of view on these bullying capitalists.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2024

Indeed, like their legendary predecessors Gilbert and Sullivan, the men were never close friends.

From Washington Post • Mar. 29, 2023

Speedy was watching him, without a word of Gilbert and Sullivan gibberish as greeting.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov