specifically: an accompanied, elaborate melody sung (as in an opera) by a single voice
enjoyed the soprano's romantic aria
2
: a striking solo performance (as in a movie)
… Russell Crowe's performance in Gladiator was all about the physical stuff—it was a brute-force aria of fighting and flexing and unleashing hell … Jeff Gordinier
3
: a written or spoken passage or text likened to a dramatic or emotional operatic solo
… a plainspoken but moving aria on the joys of rural living … Lauren Collins
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe concerts will feature two of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sacred choral works, a famous opera aria and a dramatic early symphony. Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2022 At the end of the aria, Muti and orchestra’s final cadence sounded existentially spent, unfathomable grief and resignation packed into an E-flat minor triad. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2022 The rest of the competent cast did not reach his level, though Eric Ferring’s aria as Fenton showed off his bright tenor; Paul Daniel conducted with wit and pizzazz. Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 9 Aug. 2022 In a final aria — an oasis of expressive, elegant poetry from Smith, after so much expository prose — Patience dismisses the possibility of choosing either past or future.New York Times, 22 July 2022 For Act 2, Colaneri had to find a basso buffo aria for the sisters’ father, Petronio (Stefano de Peppo).New York Times, 17 July 2022 Inspired by this libretto, Strauss wrote page after page of winningly lighthearted music including an exceptionally sublime closing aria. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 15 July 2022 Your new album starts with a famous Mozart aria written for a woman who is playing a man.New York Times, 27 May 2022 Camarena lent Edgardo a sweetness and softness that only made his heartache sting more sharply in his showstopping final aria.Washington Post, 24 Apr. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Italian, literally, atmospheric air, modification of Latin aer