melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈme-lə-dē 

plural melodies

1

: a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds

… whilst all the winds with melody are ringing.

—Percy Bysshe Shelley

2

: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole

a hummable melody

the piper's fingers play the melody on a pipe called a chanter

—Pat Cahill

melodic

mə-ˈlä-dik 

adjective

melodically

mə-ˈlä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of melody

• song
• tune

Examples of melody in a Sentence

He wrote a piece that includes some beautiful melodies.

a composer known for his love of melody

He sang a few old melodies.

Recent Examples on the Web

His melodies play on in all of us. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Feb. 2026

Ever since, the score’s soaring melodies, technical fireworks, sweep and passion have captivated audiences worldwide. —Luis Palomares, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

Music Hall of Williamsburg gets possessed by the eerie, ethereal melodies of Skullcrusher (April 15). —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026

Chaney’s is the only other singing voice to appear in the film, performing the soul-stirring melody as Cathy (Margot Robbie) crosses the moors to wed her future husband, Edgar (Shazad Latif), all while pining for her best friend and true love, Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English melodie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin melodia, from Greek melōidia chanting, music, from melos limb, musical phrase, song (probably akin to Breton mell joint) + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈmel-əd-ē 

plural melodies

1

: a pleasing succession of sounds

2

: a series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect

3

: the leading part in a musical composition involving harmony