soubrette

/suˈbrɛt/
noun
  1. A lively, flirtatious, or mischievous young female character in a play or opera, often a maid or servant.
    • The actress was famous for playing the soubrette in several classic comedies.
    • The soubrette's witty dialogue added a lighthearted touch to the serious drama.
    • In the opera, the soubrette kept the audience laughing with her clever tricks.
  2. An actress or singer who specializes in playing such roles.
    • She trained for years to become a soubrette in musical theater.
    • Many famous sopranos began their careers as a soubrette.
    • The young soubrette received rave reviews for her performance in the comic opera.