SKIP TO CONTENT

librettist

/ləˈbrɛtəst/
IPA guide

Other forms: librettists

A librettist is a writer who creates the scripts for operas and musicals, blending storylines with lyrics that singers perform.

In the world of opera, a librettist is crucial, similar to a playwright in theater. A librettist writes the words of the songs that bring the opera or musical to life. For instance, Lorenzo Da Ponte is well-known for writing the librettos — or lyrics — for several of Mozart's famous operas, including The Marriage of Figaro. The librettist plays an important role in connecting the audience with the emotional depth of the music through compelling narratives and character development.

Definitions of librettist
  1. noun
    a writer who creates the scripts for operas and musicals
    see moresee less
    examples:
    William Schwenk Gilbert
    a librettist who was a collaborator with Sir Arthur Sullivan in a famous series of comic operettas (1836-1911)
    type of:
    author, writer
    a person who writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘librettist'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family