/ ˈɒprə; NAmE ˈɑːprə/ noun
1.
[ C , U ] a dramatic work in which all or most of the words are sung to music; works of this type as an art form or entertainment :
Puccini's operas
to go to the opera
an opera singer
light / grand opera
—see also soap opera
2.
[ C ] a company that performs opera; a building in which operas are performed :
the Vienna State Opera
► op·er·at·ic / ˌɒpəˈrætɪk; NAmE ˌɑːp-/ adjective :
operatic arias / composers
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from Italian , from Latin , literally labour, work .