English Reference
noun

aria

n.
US /ˈɑɹiə/ UK /ˈeəɹiɐ/ aria UK spelling arias

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    a long, beautiful song for one singer in an opera or similar musical work.

    a self-contained piece for one voice, typically with orchestral accompaniment, occurring in the context of an opera, oratorio, or cantata.

    Simple

    The soprano received a standing ovation after singing her famous aria in the second act.

    In context

    The composer used the opening aria to establish the protagonist's emotional state before the plot's primary conflict was introduced.

    Usage

    Usually countable; often described by the voice type required, such as a 'tenor aria'.

    chorusrecitative
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated