Opera Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of OPERA

1

[noncount]

:

a kind of performance in which actors sing all or most of the words of a play with music performed by an orchestra

• He is studying opera.
• French opera

— often used before another noun

• an opera singer
• opera fans

— see also grand opera

2

:

a show in which opera is performed

[count]

• I am going to an opera tonight.
• my favorite operas

[noncount]

• I enjoy going to the opera. [=going to opera performances]

3

[count]

:

a group of actors who perform operas together

— often used in names

• the New York City Opera

— operatic

/ˌɑːpəˈrætɪk/

adjective

[more operatic; most operatic]

• an operatic singer/voice

2 opera

Britannica Dictionary definition of OPERA