opera glasses

American  

[op-er-uh glas-iz, glah-siz, op-ruh] / ˈɒp ər ə ˌglæs ɪz, ˌglɑ sɪz, ˈɒp rə /

Often opera glass

plural noun

1. a small, low-power pair of binoculars for use at plays, concerts, and the like.

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opera glasses British  

plural noun

1. small low-powered binoculars used by audiences in theatres and opera houses

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Etymology

Origin of opera glasses

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

opera glasses

In cities, people flocked to parks with binoculars — or opera glasses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2024

In addition to the collar, the items being auctioned include a pair of Ginsburg’s opera glasses, a wooden gavel and artwork that hung in her Washington apartment.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 7, 2022

The opera glasses, more of a joke, are hardly needed - the front line is visible without them.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 7, 2022

The classic three-camera setup mimicked the movement of the audience’s roving eye, perhaps aided with a pair of opera glasses.

From New York Times ● Sep. 4, 2020

They sat up straighter in their seats and took out their opera glasses so as not to miss any of the action.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood