opera

¹ American  

[op-er-uh, op-ruh] / ˈɒp ər ə, ˈɒp rə /

noun

1. an extended dramatic composition, in which all parts are sung to instrumental accompaniment, that usually includes arias, choruses, and recitatives, and that sometimes includes ballet.

2. the form or branch of musical and dramatic art represented by such compositions.

3. the score or the words of such a composition.

4. a performance of one.

   to go to the opera.

5. (sometimes initial capital letter) an opera house or resident company.

   the Paris Opera.

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opera ² American  

[oh-per-uh, op-er-uh] / ˈoʊ pər ə, ˈɒp ər ə /

noun

Chiefly Music.

1. a plural of opus.

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opera ¹ British  

/ ˈɒpərə /

noun

1. a plural of opus

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opera ² British  

/ ˈɒprə, ˈɒpərə /

noun

1. an extended dramatic work in which music constitutes a dominating feature, either consisting of separate recitatives, arias, and choruses, or having a continuous musical structure

2. the branch of music or drama represented by such works

3. the score, libretto, etc, of an opera

4. a theatre where opera is performed

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opera Cultural  

1. A musical drama that is totally or mostly sung. Aïda , Carmen, and Don Giovanni are some celebrated operas. A light, comic opera is often called an operetta.

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Etymology

Origin of opera

1635–45; < Italian: work, opera < Latin, plural of opus service, work, a work, opus

Explanation

An opera is a theatrical piece that tells a story totally through the music. It consists of recitatives which provide the narrative plot line and elaborate chorus singing, along with duets and arias, which are the parts we most remember. We get the word opera from the Latin and, later, from the Italian, a noun formed from the word operari, "to work." The style evolved in Italy around 1600, and was initially unrealistic, mainly a chance for soloists to show off. In the mid-18th Century the focus shifted to both strong story and exquisite singing. Emotion is an important quality, a trait carried over to "soap operas" which have no singing but plenty of fake tears.

Example Sentences

In the new Wortham Center, the company presented the world premiere of “Nixon in China,” an opera composed by John Adams, staged by Peter Sellars and ignored by Mr. Nixon.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Following the world premiere of Laura Kaminsky’s opera, the work will be staged at New York’s Brooklyn Academy of Music from May 16 to 21.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

It has been with him all his life, and it is a conductor’s opera — complex, fleeting, sylvan, changeable, tender and tough.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Venice's prestigious La Fenice opera house has sacked its incoming music director Beatrice Venezi, months before she was supposed to take up the position.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

“Wow, I didn’t go to the opera until I was forty-five years old,” Minna said.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• act
• appearance
• behavior
• concert
• dance
• display
• drama
• play
• portrayal
• presentation
• production
• show