libretto

booklet

noun lee-BRET-toh Rare

Origin: Diminutive of libro ('book'), from Latin liber.

Also means

libretto

Usage Note

Libretto has two main senses: a small booklet or passbook (e.g. libretto universitario for a student's grade book, libretto di risparmio for a savings passbook), and the text of an opera or musical work. In opera contexts it is borrowed into English directly. The plural is libretti.

Examples

"Ha perso il libretto degli assegni."

Natural Translation

He lost the chequebook.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Tu vs Lei: Formal & Informal "You" in Italian

When in doubt, use Lei. Here's exactly when to use tu vs Lei in Italian — the who-to-use-with map, the verb and possessive shifts, and how to switch politely.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Diminutives: -ino, -etto, -one Explained

Italian diminutives like -ino, -etto, and -one signal size, affection, or contempt. Learn to read the feeling, dodge gender flips, and spot false diminutives.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

C'è vs Ci Sono: There Is/Are in Italian

C'è for one thing, ci sono for many — that's the rule. Master Italian's there is/there are with c'era, ci sarà, è vs c'è, and non c'è nessuno.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read