op·era
ˈä-p(ə-)rə 
Southern also ˈä-prē
1
: a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures (see overture entry 1 sense 2) and interludes (see interlude sense 2)
2
: the score (see score entry 1 sense 6) of a musical drama
The composer finished the opera in just six weeks.
3
: the performance of an opera
The opera was delayed a half hour due to technical difficulties.
also
: a house where operas are performed
We'll meet you at the opera at 7 p.m.
Examples of opera in a Sentence
Noun
I am going to an opera tonight.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
Stalin, who personally approved many of the arrest lists, kept up with poetry and opera.
—Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Timothy Douglas directs an opera that will include gospel, blues, funk and soul.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
With everything from refined fisherman sandals and opera pumps to raffia loafers and classic Chelsea boots, there is truly something to suit any style.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2025
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Noun
Yes, this is the lowest grossing weekend of 2025 to date, but not for opera, as the specialty market found its maestro, Ludwig van Beethoven.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
Stalin, who personally approved many of the arrest lists, kept up with poetry and opera.
—Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Timothy Douglas directs an opera that will include gospel, blues, funk and soul.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025
With everything from refined fisherman sandals and opera pumps to raffia loafers and classic Chelsea boots, there is truly something to suit any style.
—Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opera
Articles Related to opera
Cite this Entry
“Opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opera. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opera
1 of 2plural of opus
opera
2 of 2 noun
op·era
ˈäp-(ə-)rə
1
: a play in which usually the entire text is sung with orchestral accompaniment
2
: the performance of an opera
operatic
adjective
ˌäp-ə-ˈrat-ik
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