soap opera

noun

1

a

: a serial drama performed originally on a daytime radio or television program and chiefly characterized by tangled interpersonal situations and melodramatic or sentimental treatment

b

: a series of real-life events resembling a soap opera

2

: the melodrama and sentimentality characteristic of a soap opera

even cops need a little soap opera in their lives

—Joseph Wambaugh

also : something (such as a novel) having such qualities

soap-operatic

ˈsōp-ˌä-pə-ˈra-tik 

adjective

Synonyms

• corn
• sludge

Examples of soap opera in a Sentence

She loves to watch daytime soap operas.

the movie started out well, but quickly devolved into improbable soap opera

Recent Examples on the Web

The show's traditional July 4 holiday hiatus will actually mark the second consecutive week of absence for moderator Whoopi Goldberg, following a trip to Italy that included an award ceremony at a book festival and securing a recurring role on a regional soap opera. —EW.com, 30 June 2025

Un Posto Al Sole has been broadcast on Rai 3 since 1996 and is the first soap opera entirely produced in Italy. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 June 2025

Blending soap opera and horror, Dark Shadows had a darker tone, distinguished by its supernatural elements and gothic horror themes. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Joe Marinelli has died at 68 His wife, Jean Marinelli, and agent Julie Smith both confirmed his death on Tuesday, June 24 He had been diagnosed with throat and stomach cancer a few years ago Joe Marinelli, a character actor best known for his work on various soap operas, has died. —Charna Flam, People.com, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

from its sponsorship by soap manufacturers

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

soap opera

noun

: a radio or television drama presented in a series of continuing stories and characters and intended to appeal to the emotions

Etymology

so called because the advertisers on these programs were usually soap manufacturers