Opera

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɒp.əɹ.É™/, /ˈɒp.ɹə/
• US IPA: /ˈɑ.pəɹ.É™/, /ˈɑ.pɹə/

Origin

From Italian opera.

Full definition of opera

Noun

1. (music) A theatrical work combining drama, music, song and sometimes dance.
2. (music) The score for such a work.
3. A building designed for the performance of such works; an opera house.
• 1907, w, The Younger Set Chapter 6, “I don't mean all of your friends—only a small proportion—which, however, connects your circle with that deadly, idle, brainless bunch—the insolent chatterers at the opera, the gorged dowagers, … !”
4. A company dedicated to performing such works.
5. (by extension) Any showy, melodramatic or unrealistic production resembing an opera.
6. A collection of work (plural of opus).

Derived terms

Related terms

Anagrams

• pareo