1. n.1 a a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers (usu. in costume) and instrumentalists. b this as a genre.
2 a building for the performance of opera.
Phrases and idioms:
opera-glasses small binoculars for use at the opera or theatre. opera-hat a man's tall collapsible hat. opera-house a theatre for the performance of opera.
Etymology: It. f. L, labour, work 2. pl. of OPUS.