opera Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  2. noun a commercial browser
  3. noun a building where musical dramas are performed
    opera house.

WordNet

Op"er*a noun
Etymology
It., fr. opera work, composition, opposed to an improvisation, fr. L. opera pains work, fr. opus, operis, work, labor: cf. F. opéra. See Operate.
Definitions
  1. A drama, either tragic or comic, of which music forms an essential part; a drama wholly or mostly sung, consisting of recitative, arials, choruses, duets, trios, etc., with orchestral accompaniment, preludes, and interludes, together with appropriate costumes, scenery, and action; a lyric drama.
  2. The score of a musical drama, either written or in print; a play set to music.
  3. The house where operas are exhibited.

Webster 1913