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.

---

opera glasses British  

plural noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of opera glasses

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

The acoustics are best up there, and I bought a pair of opera glasses just to see her.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2024

You don’t need opera glasses to see that Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” takes on more than just country music.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 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

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