1. A recurring musical theme or phrase associated with a particular character, idea, or situation in an opera, film, or other narrative work.
Usage: Plural of leitmotiv; also spelled leitmotif; Commonly used in music, film, and literary analysis
2. A dominant or recurring theme, pattern, or element in any context or narrative.
Usage: Extended or figurative use beyond music

Examples

• Wagner's operas are famous for their use of leitmotivs to represent different characters and emotions.
• The composer assigned distinct leitmotivs to each of the main characters in the symphony.
• In the film score, the villain's leitmotivs were written in a minor key to convey menace.
• The leitmotivs throughout the opera help audiences follow the complex narrative.
• The director used recurring visual leitmotivs to reinforce the story's central themes.
• Each family in the novel had its own leitmotivs—phrases and behaviors that defined them.