prima donna

Definition

The principal female singer or the leading lady.

Etymology

From Italian prima donna (“first lady”).

Example Sentences

• "The truth is, the inhabitants of that languid and luxurious city wanted some little variety; and the minister ... supported a favourite actress in the range of first-rate characters in the Opera—supported her against the united musical opinion of Naples. One night she sang worse than ever; and the next morning half the city rose up, demanding liberty and a new prima donna."
• "I've had enough of watching scenes / With schizophrenic, egocentric, paranoiac, prima-donnas"
• "This year Mata has done more than anyone to give fresh belief that professional football is not only built on greed and staggering wages for its strutting prima donnas. The Manchester United and Spain midfielder, instead, has broken new ground and begun to use football’s power and wealth to help ordinary people around the world."