melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 
-ˌdra-
1
a
: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization
an actor with a flair for melodrama
b
: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works
2
: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality
The trial turned into a melodrama.
Examples of melodrama in a Sentence
Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.
an actor with a talent for melodrama
She is starring in another melodrama.
The trial turned into a melodrama.
a life full of melodrama
Recent Examples on the Web
Fey, Fisher, and Wigfield are too often unwilling or unable to engage with meaningful melodrama.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
While the play does feel like being tossed into an episode of Stranger Things — complete with a shockingly spooky introduction and a solid mix of high school melodrama and mystery — certain decisions within the second act start to feel rushed as the play clicks into the established canon.
—Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Yes, there’s still plenty of singing, dancing, bad puns and chances for an audience to hiss and boo in classic melodrama fashion.
—Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
This material can be crushingly sad, but there’s zero melodrama in it.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
While the play does feel like being tossed into an episode of Stranger Things — complete with a shockingly spooky introduction and a solid mix of high school melodrama and mystery — certain decisions within the second act start to feel rushed as the play clicks into the established canon.
—Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Yes, there’s still plenty of singing, dancing, bad puns and chances for an audience to hiss and boo in classic melodrama fashion.
—Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
This material can be crushingly sad, but there’s zero melodrama in it.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
melodrama
noun
melo·dra·ma
ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə
-ˌdram-
1
a
: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot
b
: such works as a group
2
: melodramatic events or behavior
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