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Definition of opera

opera

/ˈɑː.pɚ.ə/
op · er · a
Adverb:operatically
•
Plural:operas
•
Adjective:operatic
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opera Lexical Profile

opera Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A dramatic theatrical work in one or more acts, set to music for classical singers and instrumentalists, or the genre of classical music and theater comprising such works.

Example

"They bought tickets to see an Italian opera performed by the national symphony orchestra."

2

A theater or Performing Arts building specifically designed and used for staging operatic performances.

Example

"We dressed in formal attire for our evening at the Vienna State Opera."

3

The plural form of 'opus', referring to a collection of artistic, literary, or musical works.

Example

"The university library houses the complete opera of several medieval philosophers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for opera

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'opera' takes the regular English plural 'operas' when referring to musical dramas, it also serves as the formal plural of the Latinate noun 'opus' (meaning creative or scholarly works).

• Rhymes for opera

• Nearby Words

openmindedness
openmouthed
openness
opera
operability
operable
operagoer

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Italian 'opera', literally meaning 'work' or 'composition', from Latin 'opera' ('effort, labor'), which is originally the plural of 'opus' ('work').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Opera. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/opera
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