-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
space opera
noun
: a futuristic melodramatic fantasy involving space travelers and extraterrestrial beings
Examples of space opera in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That sets it apart from the myriad space operas populating big-budget TV in recent years; the relationships are the real substance of the show, the interstellar adventures are the dessert.
—Will Harris, EW.com, 10 Sep. 2024
Ubisoft’s foray into the space opera is a rarity because of its open-world nature and its focus.
—Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024
One is a fantastical space opera about princesses and droids, the other is a ‘90s-set thriller about police brutality and institutional corruption.
—Guilherme Jacobs, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024
In Lucas’s space opera, Western and sci-fi genre codes were mixed to explore our despair over Vietnam-era American imperialism.
—Armond White, National Review, 9 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for space opera
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'space opera.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near space opera
Cite this Entry
“Space opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/space%20opera. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
space opera
noun
: science fiction that deals with fantastic situations involving space travelers and beings from other worlds
Etymology
from space and opera, following the pattern of soap opera
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share