libretto

noun

li·​bret·​to lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)tō 

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

1

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

2

: the book containing a libretto

Examples of libretto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Maestro Harry Bicket conducts this dramatic oratorio composed in 1744 to an English libretto by the Reverend Thomas Broughton. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

There’s not a traditional libretto, so the story is transmitted mostly through song lyrics. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

To a witty rhyming libretto by Nicholas Wright, the music is by Rachel Portman, a prolific composer of scores for films including The Joy Luck Club, Emma and The Manchurian Candidate. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026

Muhly, who composed the opera’s final section, has special praise for Jackson’s libretto. —Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for libretto

• hereto
• magneto
• palmetto
• stiletto
• whereto
• allegretto
• lazaretto
• ghetto
• seto

Kids Definition

libretto

noun

li·​bret·​to lə-ˈbret-ō 

plural librettos or libretti -ē 

: the text of an opera or musical