opera1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɒp(ə)rə/

noun

  • a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists: it was the best performance of the opera he had ever heard
  • [mass noun] operas as a genre of classical music: a very grand programme of opera and ballet
  • a building for the performance of opera: you will enjoy a visit to the opera

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Italian, from Latin, literally 'labour, work'