soubrette

noun soo-BRET Rare

Origin: Provençal soubret (conceited)

Also means

maid character (theatre)

Usage Note

Soubrette designates a stock theatrical character: a pert, witty maidservant, particularly in 17th–18th century French comedy. In opera, a 'soubrette voice' describes a light, bright soprano. The term is formal/literary outside theatrical contexts.

Examples

"La soubrette amuse le public avec ses répliques vives."

Natural Translation

The soubrette entertains the audience with her witty lines.

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