opera

¹

[op-er-uh, op-ruh]

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.

opera

²

[oh-per-uh, op-er-uh]

noun

Chiefly Music.

1. a plural of opus.

opera

¹

/ 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

opera

²

/ ˈɒpərə /

noun

1. a plural of opus

opera

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera¹

C17: via Italian from Latin: work, a work, plural of opus work

Example Sentences

Preshow, the view from one’s seat is of being in a massive old opera house with dusky green drapes flanked by rows of orchestra seats.

From Los Angeles Times

Actor Paul Usher is to reprise his role as one of soap opera's great villains, Barry Grant, as part of Brookside's one-off return to television.

From BBC

I saw others with treasure maps, and only caught murmurs of the romantic soap operas unfolding among the crew.

From Los Angeles Times

In truth, the Cowboys have been a sporting soap opera ever since Jones bought the team in 1989 - just the way he likes it.

From BBC

Rogers’ signature commanding voice and poised bravado made Scorpio a fan favorite on the long-running soap opera, and became his most recognizable role.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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