opera

1 of 2

plural of opus

opera

2 of 2

noun

op·​era ˈä-p(ə-)rə 

 Southern also  ˈä-prē

1

: a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures (see overture entry 1 sense 2) and interludes (see interlude sense 2)

specifically : grand opera

Beethoven composed only one opera.

2

: the score (see score entry 1 sense 6) of a musical drama

The composer finished the opera in just six weeks.

3

: the performance of an opera

The opera was delayed a half hour due to technical difficulties.

also : a house where operas are performed

We'll meet you at the opera at 7 p.m.

Examples of opera in a Sentence

Noun

I am going to an opera tonight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

However, her transformative portrayal of Callas serves as a powerful reminder of Jolie’s formidable talent, capturing the essence of one of the most celebrated and influential opera singers of the 20th century. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024

Maria—a film about legendary opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie—has landed a premiere date on Netflix. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

The latest additions, billed as red carpet premieres, include the Hugh Grant-starrer Heretic from Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, and Pablo Larraín’s Maria starring Angelina Jolie as the famed opera singer. —Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Sep. 2024

Maria, about the final days of opera singer Maria Callas during the ’70s, made its world premiere at Venice where Netflix picked up the pic. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Italian, "work, labor, artistic production, drama set to music (originally short for opera musicale, opera in musica)," going back to Latin, "activity, effort, attention, work," collective derivative from oper-, opus "work, effort, product of labor" — more at opus

First Known Use

Noun

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing opera

• comic opera
• grand opera
• horse opera
• light opera
• opera buffa
• opera glass
• opera hat
• opera house
• opera seria
• soap opera
• space opera
• the opera

Kids Definition

opera

1 of 2

plural of opus

opera

2 of 2 noun

op·​era ˈäp-(ə-)rə 

1

: a play in which usually the entire text is sung with orchestral accompaniment

2

: the performance of an opera

operatic

ˌäp-ə-ˈrat-ik

adjective