drama

noun

dra·​ma ˈdrä-mə How to pronounce drama (audio) ˈdra- How to pronounce drama (audio)
1
a
literature : a composition (see composition sense 5a) in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance : play compare closet drama
b
: a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play
broadly : a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
a police drama
2
literature : dramatic art, literature, or affairs
English drama
3
a
: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces
the drama of the past week
dealing with some family drama
b
: dramatic state, effect, or quality
the drama of the courtroom proceedings

Examples of drama in a Sentence

He is reading an ancient Greek drama. I prefer drama to comedy. His interest in drama began at a very young age. She studied drama in college. the dramas of teenage life She watched the drama unfold as they began screaming at each other. a competition full of drama the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spanning seven decades, this epic drama traces the hopes and heartaches of one uprooted family, revealing not only the scars of displacement, but the unbreakable spirit of survival. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025 As for netizens watching from the sidelines, many pleaded with JT and Ice Spice to stay out of the drama, believing that neither Cardi nor Nicki Minaj cares for them anymore. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Vulture asked our two drama critics, Jackson McHenry and Sara Holdren, to go (separately) and review the show (together) with a few side chats of their own. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2025 Actress Natalie Dormer, who plays the duchess in an upcoming ITV drama, has also pulled out of promoting the show. Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drama

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin drāmat-, drāma, borrowed from Greek drāmat-, drâma "deed, action, dramatic performance, play, dramatic event," from drā-, alternate stem of dráō, drân "to do, perform, accomplish, act" (of uncertain origin) + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix

Note: In Indo-European terms, Greek dráō could be assigned to a present formation *dr̥h2-i̯é- from a base *dreh2- "do," but there are no recognizable cognates. Lithuanian darýti is more likely an iterative derivative from derė́ti "to be of use."

First Known Use

1515, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of drama was in 1515

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Cite this Entry

“Drama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

drama

noun
dra·​ma ˈdräm-ə How to pronounce drama (audio) ˈdram- How to pronounce drama (audio)
1
a
: a written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage : play
b
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
2
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3
a
: an exciting event or series of events
the drama of the basketball playoffs
b
: dramatic effect or quality
used colored lighting for drama

More from Merriam-Webster on drama

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