Definition of "comic opera" []

• An opera or operetta with a humorous plot, generally spoken dialogue, and usually a happy ending. Also called bouffe. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The first step in the brilliant career of Thomas was the production of a comic opera in one act, “La Double Echelle,” produced in 1837."
• "A doorman in comic opera regimentals strode about marshalling taxis and leaping to serve."
• "It first caught the eye and ear of its public by presenting the popular new marches by John Philip Sousa; and when the comic opera of"