drama

noun

dra·​ma ˈdrä-mə  ˈdra- 

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

• theater
• stage
• production
• dramatics
• entertainment
• acting
• theatrics
• theatricals

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

But as more money and bigger names entered, competition grew fiercer, pushing a drive to export the dramas overseas for more revenue — and use whatever means available to cut costs. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

The courtroom drama seemed to be nearing an end after Harry and other plaintiffs lost their lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail last month. — ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

Young adult dramas appear to have millions of us hooked right now. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

So here are my rankings of the writing and directing nominees for drama, comedy and limited series, ordered from least to best. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Phrases Containing drama

• closet drama
• comedy drama
• costume drama
• drama queen
• high drama
• music drama

Rhymes for drama

• brahma
• chama
• comma
• dama
• gama
• lama
• llama
• mama
• mamma
• momma
• rama
• sama

Kids Definition

drama

noun

dra·​ma ˈdräm-ə  ˈdram- 

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