noun

aria

/ˈɑːriə/ · say it: AHR·ee·uh

an elaborate solo song in an opera

In Arts & Culture

In more detail

1. (noun) a long, accompanied song for a solo singer, typically in an opera

2. (noun) a melody or tune

Examples

1. The soprano sang a beautiful aria in the final act of the opera.
2. The composer wrote an aria that has become famous worldwide.

How to use aria

An aria is primarily used in classical music and opera contexts, referring to a solo vocal piece that allows a singer to showcase technical ability and emotional expression. It typically appears in operas, cantatas, or oratorios and is accompanied by an orchestra or keyboard. In broader usage, aria can refer simply to any memorable tune or melody.

Common phrases

famous aria
operatic aria
sing an aria
soprano aria
aria from an opera

Synonyms

melody · tune · song · air · vocal line

Word family

ariose (adjective) · arioso (musical term)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse aria with recitative, but an aria is a lyrical, structured melodic piece while a recitative is more speech-like and narrative. Also, aria is not used casually for everyday songs or pop music.

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