libretto

play

noun li·bret·to \ lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)tō \

Definition of libretto

plural librettos or libretti play \lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)tē\

1 :the text of a work (such as an opera) for the musical theater

2 :the book containing a libretto

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Recent Examples of libretto from the Web

The libretto, which retains much of Pushkin’s poetry, will be sung in Russian with English subtitles.

— bill brownlee and dan kelly,, kansascity, "Ink picks: 14 events not to miss in September," 29 Aug. 2017
Now, the dad and son have collaborated on an opera that's set in April 1865, the final month of the war, with 23-year-old Sam composing the music, and Tom, an energy regulatory lawyer by day, writing the libretto or text.

— jim stingl, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Stingl: Father and son bring Civil War opera to the stage this weekend," 9 Aug. 2017
Since the opera is still three years away and the libretto is not completely set, Frank is in the very early stages of composing the music.

— punch shaw, star-telegram, "Fort Worth Opera heads to Mexico this month," 3 Aug. 2017
The libretto, an amalgam of biblical texts, moves from a dark depiction of apocalypse, through sections of penitence and prophesy, to an evocation of spiritual solace.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Brilliant fiddle virtuoso, choral rarity, lend cachet to Ravinia, Grant Park concerts," 30 July 2017
The libretto will examine the personal and professional lives of Apple's late co-founder.

— don reisinger, Fortune, "Apple Battles Qualcomm to the Sound of a Steve Jobs Opera," 22 July 2017
Vavrek has crafted a poetic and seductive libretto based on Eberhardt's words.

— janelle gelfand, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Opera makes history with Missy Mazzoli's 'Song from the Uproar'," 19 July 2017
The libretto, in fact, wasn’t finished until March, which makes the final gestation of the piece incredibly fast by operatic standards.

— david patrick stearns, Philly.com, "MOVE bombing will be the subject of Philadelphia opera fest world premiere," 27 June 2017
The opera unfolds in 13 scenes over two acts to a vivid libretto by Hilary Blecher and Migdalia Cruz.

— janelle gelfand, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Opera’s ‘Frida’ tinged with emotion, fiery spirit," 24 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'libretto.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of libretto

Italian, diminutive of libro book, from Latin libr-, liber

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1742

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Other Music Terms

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

LIBRETTO Defined for English Language Learners

libretto

play

noun

Definition of libretto for English Language Learners

: the words of an opera or musical

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See words that rhyme with libretto Spanish Central: Translation of libretto Nglish: Translation of libretto for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about libretto

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