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

—P. B. 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

• 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

Known for his tender melodies and sensual stage show, Daps earned his first entry on Top Reggae Albums with 2020’s Vent (No. 10), a career-shifting set that featured collaborations with Spice, Beenie Man and Chronic Law. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 7 July 2025

Everyone wants to play—but the melody doesn’t land. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Regardless of region, a memorable melody remains the holy grail. —Faye Bradley, Variety, 4 July 2025

Yo La Tengo will bring their infectious energy and timeless melodies, while Peruvian cumbia legends Los Mirlos will add a vibrant Latin flair to the proceedings. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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