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

Grammy-winning opera star Joyce DiDonato joins the Minnesota Orchestra for its opening weekend of performances, sharing her magnificent vocal span, warmth and agility in a performance of Hector Berlioz’s Les Nuits d’été (Summer Nights). —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025

The designer also matched her dress with long opera gloves, creating a sartorial monochrome effect. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, technical and structural upgrades at the Opéra Garnier—primary home of the Paris opera and ballet—to last until 2029, disrupting stage performances for at least two of those years. —Lindsey Tramuta, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025

Fall’s classical music scene brings a fantastic array of choices, including vocal works, piano dazzlers and timeless operas. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025

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