drama

noun

dra·​ma ˈdrä-mə How to pronounce drama (audio) ˈdra- How to pronounce drama (audio)
Synonyms of drama
1
a
literature : a composition (see composition sense 5a) in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance : play compare closet drama
b
: a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play
broadly : a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
a police drama
2
literature : dramatic art, literature, or affairs
English drama
3
a
: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces
the drama of the past week
dealing with some family drama
b
: dramatic state, effect, or quality
the drama of the courtroom proceedings

Synonyms of drama

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Examples of drama in a Sentence

He is reading an ancient Greek drama. I prefer drama to comedy. His interest in drama began at a very young age. She studied drama in college. the dramas of teenage life She watched the drama unfold as they began screaming at each other. a competition full of drama the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Further talking points this year include the dearth of women in competition with Danish-Egyptian director May-el Toukhy the only woman making it into the 20-picture competition, with post-World War II drama Woman Unknown. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 July 2026 The drama began when staff for RTD sent alarming service cut plans to committees proposing slashing up to 20% of rail and bus services, including the iconic and essential Free MallRide on 16th Street. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 24 July 2026 Adding more drama to the lingerie look, Waterhouse wore a light pink tulle boudoir-style robe with ruffling. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 Few programmers in Emmy history have consistently produced the leading drama and comedy contenders in the same ceremony. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for drama

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin drāmat-, drāma, borrowed from Greek drāmat-, drâma "deed, action, dramatic performance, play, dramatic event," from drā-, alternate stem of dráō, drân "to do, perform, accomplish, act" (of uncertain origin) + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix

Note: In Indo-European terms, Greek dráō could be assigned to a present formation *dr̥h2-i̯é- from a base *dreh2- "do," but there are no recognizable cognates. Lithuanian darýti is more likely an iterative derivative from derė́ti "to be of use."

First Known Use

circa 1521, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of drama was circa 1521

Phrases Containing drama

Rhymes for drama

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Browse Nearby Words

DRAM
drama
dramage
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Cite this Entry

“Drama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drama

noun
dra·​ma ˈdräm-ə How to pronounce drama (audio) ˈdram- How to pronounce drama (audio)
1
a
: a written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage : play
b
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
2
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3
a
: an exciting event or series of events
the drama of the basketball playoffs
b
: dramatic effect or quality
used colored lighting for drama

More from Merriam-Webster on drama

Nglish: Translation of drama for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drama

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