melody

play

noun mel·o·dy \ˈme-lə-dē\

Simple Definition of melody

: a pleasing series of musical notes that form the main part of a song or piece of music
: a song or tune

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of melody

plural

melodies

1 : a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds : tunefulness
2 : a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole

melodic

play \mə-ˈlä-dik\ adjective

melodically

play \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See melody defined for English-language learners

See melody defined for kids

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-fashioned melodies.

Origin and Etymology 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

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

MELODY Defined for Kids

melody

play

noun mel·o·dy \ˈme-lə-dē\

Definition of melody for Students

plural

melodies

1 : pleasing arrangement of sounds
2 : a series of musical notes or tones arranged in a definite pattern of pitch and rhythm
3 : the main part in a musical composition