1. Musical Art Form: Opera is a form of musical theater that combines music, drama, and spectacular staging. It typically features a libretto (a text) and a musical score, which includes vocal parts for singers and instrumental accompaniment. Operas are usually performed in opera houses.
2. Single Operatic Work: An opera can refer to a specific operatic composition. For instance, "The Marriage of Figaro" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an opera. The title refers to the entire musical work, including its libretto and score.
3. Opera House: An opera house is a theater specifically designed and equipped for opera performances. It typically has a stage, an orchestra pit, seating for the audience, and other facilities necessary for opera productions.
4. Figurative Use: In a broader sense, the term "opera" is occasionally used figuratively. For example, someone might refer to a dramatic or exaggerated situation or event as an "opera."