melodrama

melo·dra·ma

noun \ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə, -ˌdra-\

Definition of MELODRAMA

1

a : a work (as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization b : the genre of dramatic literature constituted by such works

2

: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality

— melo·dra·ma·tist \ˌme-lə-ˈdra-mə-tist, -ˈdrä-\ noun

Examples of MELODRAMA

1. Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
2. an actor with a talent for melodrama
3. She is starring in another melodrama.
4. The trial turned into a melodrama.
5. a life full of melodrama

Origin of MELODRAMA

modification of French mélodrame, from Greek melos song + French drame drama, from Late Latin drama

First Known Use: 1802

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

Rhymes with MELODRAMA

Atacama, closet drama, docudrama, monodrama, music drama, psychodrama, Sugiyama, Suriname