librettist
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of librettist
From the Italian word librettista, dating back to 1860–65. See libretto, -ist
Explanation
A librettist is a writer who creates the scripts for operas and musicals, blending storylines with lyrics that singers perform. In the world of opera, a librettist is crucial, similar to a playwright in theater. A librettist writes the words of the songs that bring the opera or musical to life. For instance, Lorenzo Da Ponte is well-known for writing the librettos — or lyrics — for several of Mozart's famous operas, including The Marriage of Figaro. The librettist plays an important role in connecting the audience with the emotional depth of the music through compelling narratives and character development.
Vocabulary lists containing librettist
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.
Mr. Geter and his librettist, Jarrod Lee, had to render the tale with opera singers, not guitar players, on stage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025
Mozart and his librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte, meant to make us squirm as they uncover our insecurities and the faults in our materialistic facades.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025
"Fire Shut Up in My Bones," the work of jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard and writer-director Kasi Lemmons, was the first opera by a Black composer or librettist to reach the Met stage.
From Salon • Oct. 6, 2024
In the interview, Francesca discusses the process of creating a brand new ending for Puccini’s unfinished final opera Turandot, from recruiting a composer and librettist to deciding on the visual language of the show.
From Slate • May 26, 2024
No finer opening for an opera has ever been devised, and it is remarkable how the composer and librettist have managed to sustain this high level right through the four acts of the work.
From Shakespeare and Music by Wilson, Christopher
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.
