operetta

[ op-uh-ret-uh ]

noun

1. a short opera, usually of a light and amusing character.

operetta

/ ˌɒpəˈrɛtə /

noun

1. a type of comic or light-hearted opera

operetta

1. Comic or lighthearted operas of the kind written by Gilbert and Sullivan . Operettas generally have a substantial amount of spoken (not sung) dialogue.

Derived Forms

• ˌoperˈettist, noun

Other Words From

• oper·ettist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of operetta¹

1760–70; < Italian, diminutive of opera opera ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of operetta¹

C18: from Italian: a small opera ¹

Example Sentences

He was the composer half of Gilbert and Sullivan, the Lennon-McCartney of sprightly operettas, back when operettas were both the movies and the pop music of their day — the must-see shows, the must-sing songs.

From Los Angeles Times

Gilbert and Sullivan created 13 operettas that are still performed today, but the manuscript for Utopia Limited has been lost.

From BBC

The production history of “Candide,” Leonard Bernstein’s operetta based on Voltaire’s novel, is as epic as the highs and lows of its title character’s journey in a volatile and menacing world.

From New York Times

Wilson recently conducted two performances of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “Princess Ida” on period instruments, with “tiny trombones and cornets and gut strings and everything.”

From New York Times

Now how about an immersion in Weimar operetta?

From New York Times