NYT Dictionary

COLORATURA

/kɒləɹəˈtjʊɹə/
NounAdjectivecol-o-ra-TU-racol-o-ra-tu-ra · 5 syllablesGrade 10

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023, 2025

Meaning

Florid or fancy passages in vocal music.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

Borrowed from Italian coloratura, from Late Latin colōrātūra, from colōrāre (“to colour”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

arabesqueariabaritonebassbravuraburdencadencecadenzacantabilechoral

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles, including a pangram:

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