operetta

1 of 2

noun (1)

op·​er·​et·​ta ˌä-pə-ˈre-tə How to pronounce operetta (audio)
: a usually romantic comic opera that includes songs and dancing
operettist
ˌä-pə-ˈre-tist How to pronounce operetta (audio)
noun

operettist

2 of 2

noun (2)

op·​er·​et·​tist ˌäpəˈretə̇st How to pronounce operettist (audio)
äˈpre-
plural -s
: one that composes operettas

Examples of operetta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The operetta’s success rests equally on its witty dialogue and its brilliant music. — Michelle F. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026 Barasch is clearly having a blast as the adorably dutiful Frederic, though he sometimes gets lost in the murky waters between operetta and musical theater. — Christian Lewis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025 During its first two seasons, every Tender Touches episode was released alongside an accompanying operetta version. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026 Arthur bankrolled the building with $3 million in profits from his wildly successful 1924 operetta Rose-Marie, whose book and lyrics were written by his son Oscar Hammerstein II and Otto Harbach, with music by Rudolf Friml and Herbert Stothart. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for operetta

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Italian, diminutive of opera

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operetta was in 1770

Rhymes for operetta

See All Rhymes for operetta

Browse Nearby Words

opere citato
operetta
operettist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Operetta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operetta. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

operetta

noun
op·​er·​et·​ta ˌäp-ə-ˈret-ə How to pronounce operetta (audio)
: a light play set to music with speaking, singing, and dancing scenes

More from Merriam-Webster on operetta

Nglish: Translation of operetta for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about operetta

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