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
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
The series has also received 10 nominations at the SAG Awards, with Aniston earning an award in 2020 for outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series.
—
Tabitha Parent, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Even though the family has moved far past the 1990s courtroom drama, the public’s fascination with the Kardashian affiliation with O.J. Simpson is ongoing.
—Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2024
Headlines The week’s top industry headlines include Heels, CBS gets busy with renewals for most of its drama slate, a change is coming to Chicago Med and Quantum Leap won’t travel to a third season at NBC.
—Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
The dust had barely settled on Alexander’s drama before another player declared his plans to enter the portal.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
From 2001 to 2005, Sisto played Billy Chenowith on the acclaimed HBO drama Six Feet Under.
—Danny Horn, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024
Sarayu Blue, who plays Hilary Starr, delivers a poignant performance that clearly stands out in the drama.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
The family drama seems more stilted than the giant spider story, which also tracks.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
But since the hand gesture drama, both players claim there's no beef between them.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 31 Mar. 2024
Tabitha Parent, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Even though the family has moved far past the 1990s courtroom drama, the public’s fascination with the Kardashian affiliation with O.J. Simpson is ongoing.
—Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2024
Headlines The week’s top industry headlines include Heels, CBS gets busy with renewals for most of its drama slate, a change is coming to Chicago Med and Quantum Leap won’t travel to a third season at NBC.
—Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
The dust had barely settled on Alexander’s drama before another player declared his plans to enter the portal.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
From 2001 to 2005, Sisto played Billy Chenowith on the acclaimed HBO drama Six Feet Under.
—Danny Horn, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024
Sarayu Blue, who plays Hilary Starr, delivers a poignant performance that clearly stands out in the drama.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
The family drama seems more stilted than the giant spider story, which also tracks.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
But since the hand gesture drama, both players claim there's no beef between them.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 31 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'drama.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to drama
Dictionary Entries Near drama
Cite this Entry
“Drama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
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