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DictionaryoperettaLight musical theater
noun

operetta

ah-puh-RET-uh/ˌɑːpəˈretə/

A light theatrical work combining singing and spoken dialogue.

The theater stages a lively operetta with songs and spoken dialogue.

A lighthearted operetta scene with adult singers in playful period costumes and a small orchestra.
Etymology
operItalianopera, musical drama
+ettaItaliansmall or little

Operetta is literally a ‘little opera’: the diminutive points to a shorter musical drama, generally light in character. This directly connects its name with the selected comic form.

In context

Broadwayshowbiz.com0:48
Where did you find your passion for operetta?
Backstage Babble One: A Night at the Operetta

More examples

  • A comic misunderstanding keeps the lovers apart throughout the operetta.
  • Our drama club performs two operettas each year.
  • The orchestra rehearses the overture to the operetta.

Forms

operetta · operettas

Similar words

opera
Usually relies more heavily on singing and may be serious.
musical
Typically uses popular song styles rather than operatic singing.