First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
melody
melody
noun mel·o·dy \ˈme-lə-dē\
: a pleasing series of musical notes that form the main part of a song or piece of music
: a song or tune
plural mel·o·dies
Full Definition of MELODY
1
: a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds : tunefulness
2
: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole
— me·lod·ic \mə-ˈlä-dik\ adjective
— me·lod·i·cal·ly \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See melody defined for English-language learners
See melody defined for kids
Examples of MELODY
- He wrote a piece that includes some beautiful melodies.
- a composer known for his love of melody
- He sang a few old-fashioned melodies.
Origin of MELODY
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
Learn More About MELODY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: melonPrevious Word in the Dictionary: melodramatizeAll Words Near: melody
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up melody? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).