soubrette

[ soo-bret ]

noun

1. a maidservant or lady's maid in a play, opera, or the like, especially one displaying coquetry, pertness, and a tendency to engage in intrigue.
2. an actress playing such a role.
3. any lively or pert young woman.

soubrette

/ suːˈbrɛt /

noun

1. a minor female role in comedy, often that of a pert lady's maid
2. any pert or flirtatious girl

Derived Forms

• souˈbrettish, adjective

Other Words From

• sou·brettish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of soubrette¹

1745–55; < French: lady's maid < Provençal soubreto, derivative of soubret affected, ultimately derivative of Old Provençal sobrar < Latin superāre to be above

Word History and Origins

Origin of soubrette¹

C18: from French: maidservant, from Provençal soubreto, from soubret conceited, from soubra to exceed, from Latin superāre to surmount, from super above

Example Sentences

Notably, the most prominent role played by a white actor is Dorine, the maid, in a classic soubrette turn by Jennifer Mudge.

From New York Times

At the Milwaukee Rep, I did a play called “Cat Among the Pigeons,” which is a Feydeau farce, and I played the ingénue in that, or the soubrette.

From The New Yorker

The other lady of the ensemble, a svelte twilight soubrette, objects to my having, so to speak, photographed her in her old housecoat.

From Literature

Poetry, the soubrette declares, is “an inflammation of the mental bursa/Where verse becomes your vice — and vice-a-versa.”

From New York Times

Possessed of a light, fleet instrument, she confined herself to coloratura and soubrette roles, steering clear of heavier fare.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• artist
• character
• clown
• comedian
• entertainer
• performer
• player
• star
• villain