noun
diva
DEE-vuh
noun
1
A famous female singer or performer, especially in opera.
"The opera diva received a standing ovation."
2
Someone, often used loosely for anyone, who is demanding, temperamental, and expects special treatment.
"He acted like a total diva about the seating arrangement."
How to Use Diva
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA star performer — or, informally, someone who behaves like they deserve special treatment.
Common mistake
The informal "acting like a diva" sense is now used for anyone demanding, not just singers.
Common pairings
opera diva
act like a diva
total diva
Word Forms
divas plural, dive plural
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The opera _____ received a standing ovation.
Etymology
From Italian diva, "goddess" or celebrated female singer, from Latin dīva, the feminine form of dīvus, "divine."