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.
The better choice is Mr. Adams’s first opera, “Nixon in China,” a collaboration with the librettist Alice Goodman and the director Peter Sellars that had its premiere, in Houston, in 1987.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
The project marks Edmunds’ debut as a librettist.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 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
From this kernel, Saariaho and her librettist, Finnish novelist Sofi Oksanen, developed the scenario, which has 13 singing or speaking roles: seven at the school and six at the wedding banquet.
From Seattle Times ● May 28, 2024
After Dumas comes the librettist who transposed the story into suitable Italian verse to be set to music.
From Stars of the Opera by Mabel Wagnalls
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