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melody

noun

ˈme-lə-dē How to pronounce melody (audio)
Definition of melodynext
as in song
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect this week, we'll learn to play a more complicated melody on the saxophone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of melody The melody came deceptively easy, but everything else would prove difficult. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 James’ melodies seem to materialize and unspool, an unforced reclamation of the mystery that once permeated his writing. — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026 The joy of his songs, the counterargument to their pain, lies within the melodies. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for melody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melody
  1. song
  2. tune
Noun
  • The full list of pairs and their premiere dance styles and songs can be found here.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Maresca’s team-mates from his early playing days at West Bromwich Albion in England fondly recall his unselfconscious warbling of Italian pop songs in the locker-room showers.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • Pivots into a black-and-white Brazilian telenovela, which Camilo tunes into nightly while on baby duty, feed into the film’s nesting-doll narrative on paper, but in practice make for annoyingly gratuitous flourishes.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • As the night continued, guests danced well into the evening to DJ Mia Moretti‘s tunes from fan favorites Madonna and Abba.
    — Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of tune

Browse Nearby Words

melodramatizing
melody
melon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Melody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melody. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on melody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about melody

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