extravaganza

[ ik-strav-uh-gan-zuh ]

noun

1. a musical or dramatic composition or production, as comic opera or musical comedy, marked by a loose structure, a frivolous theme, and elaborate costuming and staging.
2. any lavish or opulent show, event, assemblage, etc.:

   an extravaganza of new housewares on the twelfth floor.

extravaganza

/ ɪkˌstrævəˈɡænzə /

noun

1. an elaborately staged and costumed light entertainment
2. any lavish or fanciful display, literary or other composition, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of extravaganza¹

1745–55; alteration of Italian ( e ) stravaganza extravagance

Word History and Origins

Origin of extravaganza¹

C18: from Italian: extravagance

Example Sentences

The live entertainment extravaganza is taking place on BBC One on Friday with three hours of comedy, music and guests.

From BBC

Coach tickets for next year's extravaganza went on sale last night, and were all snapped up in just 30 minutes.

From BBC

Friday's live entertainment extravaganza on BBC One will involve three hours of comedy, music and surprise guests.

From BBC

That record was Off The Wall - a disco extravaganza that established Jackson as a solo star.

From BBC

“For a movie that is expected to be a visual extravaganza, such as Narnia would present, Imax is a perfect home for that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pageant
• spectacular