operetta
[op-uh-ret-uh]
- a short opera, usually of a light and amusing character.
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Origin of operetta
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for operetta
Historical Examples
Her only attempt in larger form is the operetta "Elle et Lui."
Woman's Work in MusicArthur Elson
He decided to start with something easy and dash off an Operetta.
Ade's FablesGeorge Ade
Although she did not say so, she was sorry that Mignon had been given a principal's part in the operetta.
Marjorie DeanPauline Lester
Did Jerry tell you that Laurie Armitage has finished his operetta?
Marjorie DeanPauline Lester
The operetta was to be sung in the Sanford Theatre, where the dress rehearsal had been held.
Marjorie DeanPauline Lester
operetta
- a type of comic or light-hearted opera
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Word Origin
C18: from Italian: a small opera 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for operetta
n.
"light opera," 1775, from Italian operetta, diminutive of opera.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
operetta
Comic or lighthearted operas of the kind written by Gilbert and Sullivan. Operettas generally have a substantial amount of spoken (not sung) dialogue.
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The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.