libretto
noun
li·bret·to
lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)tō 
plural librettos or libretti
lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)tē
1
: the text of a work (such as an opera) for the musical theater
2
: the book containing a libretto
Examples of libretto in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To a witty rhyming libretto by Nicholas Wright, the music is by Rachel Portman, a prolific composer of scores for films including The Joy Luck Club, Emma and The Manchurian Candidate.
—
Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Muhly, who composed the opera’s final section, has special praise for Jackson’s libretto.
—Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
When experienced live, its commanding choruses, exquisite vocal solos, awesome symphonic score and theatrical libretto can produce such a staggering emotional intensity that some music fans half-jokingly refer to it as Verdi’s best opera.
—Luis Palomares, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Perhaps Rigola should have been more willful in his handling of the text, since his libretto unfolds more like a selection of highlights from the play than like a freestanding adaptation.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025
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Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Muhly, who composed the opera’s final section, has special praise for Jackson’s libretto.
—Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
When experienced live, its commanding choruses, exquisite vocal solos, awesome symphonic score and theatrical libretto can produce such a staggering emotional intensity that some music fans half-jokingly refer to it as Verdi’s best opera.
—Luis Palomares, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
Perhaps Rigola should have been more willful in his handling of the text, since his libretto unfolds more like a selection of highlights from the play than like a freestanding adaptation.
—Alex Ross, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for libretto
Cite this Entry
“Libretto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/libretto. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
libretto
noun
li·bret·to
lə-ˈbret-ō
plural librettos or libretti
-ē
: the text of an opera or musical
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