Operette

operetta; light opera with spoken dialogue

noun oh-peh-RET-eh Rare

Origin: from Italian operetta, diminutive of opera

Usage Note

Operette is a lighter form of opera with a comic or romantic plot, spoken dialogue, and catchy tunes. The Viennese Operette tradition (Lehár, Strauß) is internationally famous. It differs from serious Oper in tone.

Examples

"Im Sommer zeigt das Stadttheater immer eine beliebte Operette."

Natural Translation

In summer the municipal theater always performs a popular operetta.

Literal Translation

In summer the city-theater always shows a popular operetta.

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