Zarzuela

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /zɑɹˈzweɪlə/

Definitions

1. A genre of Spanish musical theater that integrates spoken dialogue with singing, often highlighting folk and operatic elements
2. A theatrical form originating in Spain that merges song, spoken word, and often dance to convey entertaining stories
3. A specific type of Spanish theatrical performance that combines music, dialogue, and usually dance to present lively narratives

Etymology: The Spanish word "zarzuela" names a form of stage entertainment that mixes sung and spoken scenes, and its name comes from a royal building. The Palace of Zarzuela, a royal residence near Madrid, was the place where the genre was first performed, and the term took its name from that location. The source word is a Spanish place name, which is why the English term is a straightforward borrowing from Spanish rather than a coinage built from English or Latin parts. A palace called "Zarzuela" gave its name to an entertainment, so the word moved from a building to the art form staged inside it.

Synonyms: musical, operetta