zarzuelanoun
Factsheet
What does the noun zarzuela mean?
There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun zarzuela. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
zarzuela has developed meanings and uses in subjects including
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
How common is the noun zarzuela?
| 1880 | 0.019 |
| 1890 | 0.02 |
| 1900 | 0.026 |
| 1910 | 0.031 |
| 1920 | 0.038 |
| 1930 | 0.045 |
| 1940 | 0.058 |
| 1950 | 0.066 |
| 1960 | 0.073 |
| 1970 | 0.078 |
| 1980 | 0.082 |
| 1990 | 0.087 |
| 2000 | 0.093 |
| 2010 | 0.089 |
How is the noun zarzuela pronounced?
British English
U.S. English
Where does the noun zarzuela come from?
Earliest known use
1880s
The earliest known use of the noun zarzuela is in the 1880s.
OED's earliest evidence for zarzuela is from 1888, in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine.
zarzuela is a borrowing from Spanish.
Nearby entries
- zaratite, n.1858–
- zarcole, n.1585–
- zarda, n.1899–
- zardozi, n.1871–
- zarf | zurf, n.1836–
- zari, n.1969–
- zariba, n.1849–
- zariba, v.1885–
- zarnich, n.1612–
- Zarp, n.1895–
- zarzuela, n.1888–
- zat, n.1934–
- zatch, n.1950–
- zawiya, n.1836–
- zawn, n.1865–
- zayat, n.1823–
- zayde, n.1946–
- zazen, n.1727–
- zazzy, adj.1961–
- Z band, n.1950–
- ZBB, n.1976–
Etymology
Summary
Notes
Meaning & use
- 1888–A traditional form of popular musical comedy in Spain.In its theatrical sense the word is said to be derived from the name Real Sitio de la Zarzuela in Madrid, where these works were first performed in the early 17th century.
- 1888
It had all transpired in a flash, like some of the absurd things he had seen in pantomimes by the zarzuela companies at the theatres.
Lippincott's Monthly Magazine July 51 - 1922
The zarzuelas, the operettas of one act, largely improvised with local allusions.
J. Hergesheimer, Bright Shawl (1923) 54 - 1947
The way was being prepared for the Italianization of Spanish music as early as Calderón's period, which brought forth the old zarzuela, a mixture of song and dance with spoken dramatic dialogue.
A. Einstein, Music in Romantic Era xvii. 328 - 1973
The modern zarzuelas are really operettas or lyric dramas, which are a kind of Spanish equivalent of Gilbert and Sullivan and the Viennese operetta, full of tunes which have become part of Spain's popular culture.
Oxford Times 30 March 14/5 - 1973
Less common are the old zarzuelas, the traditional musical dramas.
R. A. Crampsey, Puerto Rico viii. 130 - 1983
A Catalan born in 1871,..he [sc. Amadeo Vives] was evidently best known as a zarzuela composer.
Listener 21 April 31/2
- Old Comedy1529–The earliest of the three phases into which ancient Greek comedy is customarily divided, largely consisting of topical political satire with a…
- New Comedy1542–The last of the three phases into which ancient Greek comedy is customarily divided, typically depicting fictional characters and situations…
- comedy of errors?1595–A comedy in which the plot develops through, and humour derives from, a series of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, etc.
- romantic comedy1748–(Originally) a comedy having qualities associated with a literary romance (cf. romantic, adj. A.1a); (subsequently also) a film or other work…
- musical comedy1765–A comic drama consisting of dialogue, songs, and dancing.
- comédie larmoyante1773–A sentimental and moralizing form of comic drama popular in France in the 18th cent.
- sketch1789–A short play or performance of slight dramatic construction and usually of a light or comic nature (see quot. 1892); also, a musical performance…
- serio-comedy1808–A serio-comic work or performance. As a mass noun: the style or genre associated with this. Also in extended use.
- vaudeville1827–A play or stage performance of a light and amusing character interspersed with songs; also without article, this species of play or comedy. Now in…
- attributive. teacup-and-saucer comedy, comedy of a mild and ‘proper’ character.
- satyr play1845–(In ancient Greek drama) a burlesque or bawdily humorous drama featuring a chorus of satyr characters, esp. one written to be performed in succession…
- comedy sketch1855–†a. A humorous or satirical depiction of a character (obsolete rare); b. a short comic play or performance, typically consisting of a single scene in…
- Restoration comedy1866–A style of drama which flourished in London after the Restoration in 1660, typically having a complicated plot marked by wit, cynicism, and…
- comedy skit1886–A short comic performance, esp. one written or improvised on a given theme or subject; a comedy sketch.
- bit1887–U.S. A comical sketch or stand-up comedy routine.
- zarzuela1888–A traditional form of popular musical comedy in Spain.
- situation comedy1893–A comedy in which the humour depends mainly on the situations or circumstances faced by the characters; comedy of this type; (later) a television…
- comedy thriller1910–A dramatic or literary work which combines comedy with elements of the thriller genre (cf. thriller, n.).
- sex comedy1915–A play, film, or television programme which combines erotic and comic elements, or whose plot centres on romantic relationships or sexual encounters.
- sitcom1956–A television or radio comedy series involving a regular cast of characters in a succession of amusing situations or circumstances, typically…
Additional sense (1993)
- 1956–In Spain, a dish consisting of various kinds of seafood (zarzuela de mariscos) or fish (zarzuela de pescados) cooked in a rich sauce.
- 1956
Pot-pourri of fish (Zarzuela de pescados)..4 fillets or steaks of two different kinds of fish..4 small squids..12 mussels..A glass brandy [etc.].
H. Mason, Good Food from Spain & Portugal 64 - 1969
Over cocktails and later over zarzuela, he recounted his wanderings.
J. Harrington, Last Doorbell (1970) v. 129 - 1980
A zarzuela de mariscos was cooked to perfection, a veritable light opera of fish and shellfish simmered in a creamy lobster sauce.
New York Times 25 July c18/3 - 1991
Dinner at ten in Barcelona for tantalizing zarzuela de mariscos..and a crystal flute or two of shimmering cava would be easily met.
Wine & Spirits April 35/1
- gyngawdry?c1390–1500A dish prepared with the livers of certain fishes.
- salomenec1430(See quot.)
- sorréc1430–50A dish made with chopped eels (or other fish, etc.) spiced and coloured. white sorré = blanch-de-sore (see blaundsore, n.).
- tavorsayc1450A dish of spiced cod's head and liver.
- spitchcock1601–An eel cut into short pieces, dressed with bread-crumbs and chopped herbs, and broiled or fried. Also transferred.
- fish supper1627–An evening meal with fish as the main course; spec. (esp. Scottish) a takeaway meal of fish and chips.
- minnow tansy1655A dish of fried minnows seasoned with tansy.
- kedgeree1662–An Indian dish of rice boiled with split pulse, onions, eggs, butter, and condiments; also, in European cookery, a dish made of cold fish, boiled…
- pepperpot1698–A Caribbean soup or stew consisting of pieces of meat cooked slowly with red peppers, cassareep, sugar, and other seasoning. Also attributive in pepp…
- matelote1723–A French dish of fish stewed in wine (typically eel in red wine), usually served garnished with small onions, mushrooms, and rashers of bacon.
- water-souchy1726–Fish, esp. perch, boiled and served in the water used for cooking.
- pitchcock1739–73= spitchcock, n. 2.
- fish ball1758–A small ball made mainly of minced or chopped fish; (in East and Southeast Asian cookery) a small ball made mainly of minced fish and flour, often…
- flibrigo1762
- twice-laid1777–Nautical slang. (See quots.)
- ngapi1800–In Burma (Myanmar): a pungent condiment consisting of fish or prawns which have been left to rot and then salted and dried. Cf. balachong, n.
- brandade?1810–A French Mediterranean dish consisting of salt cod mixed into a purée with olive oil, milk or cream, and herbs and other ingredients; = brandade de…
- a kettle of fish1823–a kettle of fish. Esp. on the River Tweed: fish (esp. salmon) caught, cooked, and eaten on a picnic or boating excursion; (hence) a picnic or…
- fish cake1824–A small patty of flaked or minced fish and mashed potato, usually coated in batter or breadcrumbs and fried.
- brandade de morue1829–A French Mediterranean dish consisting of salt cod mixed into a purée with olive oil, milk or cream, and herbs and other ingredients; = brandade, n.
- truite au bleu1834–Trout cooked with vinegar, which turns it blue; (also) a dish consisting of this.
- sole (à la) Colbert1846–In the names of various dishes, as sole bonne femme; sole (à la) Colbert (see quot. 1877); sole (à la) meunière; sole Véronique (see quot. 1960).
- bouillabaisse1855–A dish of Provençal origin, composed of fish stewed in water or spiced white wine. Also figurative.
- fish fry1864–A piece of fried fish; fried fish served as a meal.
- hákarl1879–An Icelandic dish comprising the meat of a Greenland shark that has been allowed to ferment (traditionally by burial in sand for up to twelve weeks)…
- sashimi1880–A Japanese dish consisting of thin slices of raw fish served with grated radish or ginger and soy sauce. Also attributive or as adj.
- timbale1880–Cookery. A dish made of finely minced meat, fish, or other ingredients, cooked in a crust of paste or in a mould: so called from its shape.
- fish and chips1887–A dish consisting of deep-fried battered white fish, typically cod or haddock, served with chips (chip, n.² I.2c).
- gefilte fish1892–A dish consisting of slices or balls of ground fish baked in a fish or vegetable broth and typically served cold.
- stamp and go1893–(Usually with hyphens.) In the West Indies: a simple, quickly prepared codfish fritter (see also quot. 1893).
- fish finger1898–A small oblong piece of filleted fish coated in batter or breadcrumbs, typically fried or grilled.
- fish and brewis1907–A dish of salted cod cooked with hard bread (cf. brewis, n. 2).
- truite bleue1907–= truite au bleu, n.
- waterzooi1915–A traditional Belgian soup or stew of fish or chicken with vegetables. Cf. water-souchy, n. 1.
- accra1919–Caribbean. A fritter made with minced fish, esp. salt cod, and traditionally often served with fried bread.
- Bismarck herring1931–A marinaded herring served cold.
- gravlax1935–A Scandinavian dish consisting of dry-cured salmon marinated in a mixture containing salt, spices, and dill.
- fish burger1937–A patty made of fish, sometimes blended with other ingredients and typically served in a bread roll or bun.
- fish cake1940–English regional (Yorkshire). A piece of fish that is placed between two slices of potato, coated in batter, and fried. Frequently with modifying…
- goujon1940–Cookery. plural. Narrow, deep-fried strips of fish, esp. sole (see quot. 1964).
- coddie1941–North American. A fishcake made with cod; spec. one made with salt cod and potatoes, deep-fried, and typically served between two crackers with…
- seviche1951–A Spanish American dish of raw fish or seafood marinaded in lime or lemon juice, usually garnished and served as a starter.
- fish stick1952–North American. A small oblong piece of filleted fish coated in batter or breadcrumbs, typically fried or grilled; = fish finger, n.
- tuna salad1953–
- amok1955–In Cambodian and Thai cookery: a dish traditionally made with fish, coconut milk, and spices, steamed in a banana leaf; (also) the spice paste or…
- crabstick1956–a. A finger-shaped portion of (imitation) crabmeat coated in batter or breadcrumbs (cf. fish stick, n. 2b). b. (A piece of) imitation crabmeat made…
- zarzuela1956–In Spain, a dish consisting of various kinds of seafood (zarzuela de mariscos) or fish (zarzuela de pescados) cooked in a rich sauce.
- sole Véronique1960–In the names of various dishes, as sole bonne femme; sole (à la) Colbert (see quot. 1877); sole (à la) meunière; sole Véronique (see quot. 1960).
- fish head curry1972–In Singaporean, Malaysian, and Indonesian cookery: a dish influenced by Chinese and South Indian cuisine, consisting of a large fish head, usually…
- moqueca1980–A strongly flavoured fish stew cooked with palm oil and coconut milk, originating in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Pronunciation
British English
U.S. English
Consonants
- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing
Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence
Vowels
- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)
Other symbols
- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.
View the pronunciation model here.
Consonants
- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing
* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in
Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence
Vowels
- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)
Other symbols
- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.
View the pronunciation model here.
Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.
Consonants
b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values
- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige
Vowels
- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot
Frequency
zarzuela typically occurs about 0.09 times per million words in modern written English.
zarzuela is in frequency band 3, which contains words occurring between 0.01 and 0.1 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands
Frequency of zarzuela, n., 1880–2010
* Occurrences per million words in written English
Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.
The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.
For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.
Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.
| Decade | Frequency per million words |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 0.019 |
| 1890 | 0.02 |
| 1900 | 0.026 |
| 1910 | 0.031 |
| 1920 | 0.038 |
| 1930 | 0.045 |
| 1940 | 0.058 |
| 1950 | 0.066 |
| 1960 | 0.073 |
| 1970 | 0.078 |
| 1980 | 0.082 |
| 1990 | 0.087 |
| 2000 | 0.093 |
| 2010 | 0.089 |
Frequency of zarzuela, n., 2017–2024
* Occurrences per million words in written English
Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.
Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.
| Period | Frequency per million words |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 0.0023 |
| 2018 | 0.0017 |
| 2019 | 0.002 |
| 2020 | 0.002 |
| 2021 | 0.0036 |
| 2022 | 0.0034 |
| 2023 | 0.0042 |
| 2024 | 0.0046 |