drama

noun

dra·ma | \ ˈdrä-mə

Definition of drama

1a 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

3a : 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about 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

There’s a genuine divide between the projects women are routinely hired for—lower-budget comedies and dramas—and the more complicated $100 million to $200 million visual-effects and stunt-heavy movies. — Marie Claire, "Deep Dives," 7 Mar. 2019 As Betty on the CW hit, Reinhart is used to drama, but Pierpaolo Piccioli’s sumptuous collection offered a different kind of spectacle. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Inside Riverdale Star Lili Reinhart’s Valentino Adventure at Paris Fashion Week," 4 Mar. 2019 Alfonso Cuaron’s black-and-white drama has some major dings against it. — Jake Coyle, The Seattle Times, "What will win best picture? It’s a maddeningly close race," 20 Feb. 2019 According to TVLine, the pair are reuniting to develop a new cop drama at CBS called MIA. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "Why 'NCIS' Star Cote de Pablo Really Left Ziva Behind," 12 Feb. 2019 Among her forthcoming projects is the indie drama Mickey and the Bear, filmed on location in rural Montana, which premieres at SXSW this March. — Vogue, "A New Class of Bright, Young Things—from Riverdale Heartthrobs to Underground Musicians—Lets Loose in L.A.," 15 Feb. 2019 Of course, that's not the only household drama going down. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "'Blue Bloods' Hints at Fight That Could Tear Brothers Danny and Jamie Reagan Apart," 1 Feb. 2019 Only a year after Freeform’s teen drama series Pretty Little Liars came to an end, actress Shay Mitchell, who played Emily in the show, has already set off on a new and exciting venture. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "An Exclusive Look Inside Shay Mitchell’s Stunning Office Remodel," 4 Sep. 2018 From Alfre Woodard’s heart-wrenching panel for Clemency, a drama about a prison guard overlooking inmates on death row, to Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp’s Abe cast party at the St. Regis. — David Graver, Vogue, "Weekend One at Sundance: All the Celebrities Who Celebrated the Festival’s Daring Roster," 29 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'drama.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.