prima donna
Originally from Italian, meaning 'first lady,' the term 'prima donna' has both literal and figurative uses in English.
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Definition
B2Opera
(formal)The leading female singer in an opera company.
Example
- The prima donna received a standing ovation for her breathtaking performance.
- As the prima donna, she had the most challenging arias to perform.
C1General
(derogatory, informal)A person who is self-important, demanding, and difficult to work with.
Example
- The project manager was acting like a prima donna, making it hard for the team to function smoothly.
- His prima donna attitude alienated his colleagues.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "prima donna":