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libretto

American  
[li-bret-oh] / lɪˈbrɛt oʊ /

noun

plural

librettos, libretti
  1. the text or words of an opera or similar extended musical composition.

  2. a book or booklet containing such a text.


libretto British  
/ lɪˈbrɛtəʊ /

noun

  1. a text written for and set to music in an opera, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of libretto

1735–45; < Italian, diminutive of libro book < Latin liber; -et

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s not a traditional libretto, so the story is transmitted mostly through song lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Jackson’s smart and singable libretto is a potent throughline, its surface comedy floating above a dark and—naturally—complicated view of the modern age.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Snider’s libretto fictionalizes and extrapolates from the historical record.

From The Wall Street Journal

Scene 2, a scrim projection informs us, takes place eight years later, moving us back into the time frame of the original libretto.

From The Wall Street Journal

Six years later, Gershwin persuaded Heyward to help him transform it into an opera—with Heyward writing the libretto and sharing lyric duties with George’s brother, Ira.

From The Wall Street Journal