opera

²op·era

noun
\ˈä-p(ə-)rə, Southern also ˈä-prē\

Definition of OPERA

1

: a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures and interludes; specifically : grand opera

2

: the score of a musical drama

3

: the performance of an opera; also : a house where operas are performed

Examples of OPERA

1. I am going to an opera tonight.

Origin of OPERA

Italian, work, opera, from Latin, work, pains; akin to Latin oper-, opus — more at operate

First Known Use: 1644

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue