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

Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC to headline inaugural metal extravaganza PowerTrip on the grounds of Coachella on Oct. 6-8.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

The restaurant hosts regular drag nights, and the event I had tickets to was advertised as a Pride Extravaganza.

From Slate

When I arrived at the door of Joanne’s for the Pride Extravaganza, a sign written in pen read “$69 entry fee.”

From Slate

Tickets for the Farewell Extravaganza are expected to go on sale Nov. 8.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pageant
• spectacular