aria Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an elaborate song for solo voice

WordNet

A"ri*a noun
Etymology
It., fr. L. aër. See Air.
Definitions
  1. (Mus.) An air or song; a melody; a tune. ✍ The Italian term is now mostly used for the more elaborate accompanied melodies sung by a single voice, in operas, oratorios, cantatas, anthems, etc., and not so much for simple airs or tunes.

Webster 1913