dra·ma·tur·gy
ˈdra-mə-ˌtər-jē 
ˈdrä-
: the art or technique of dramatic composition and theatrical representation
dram·a·tur·gic
variants
or dramaturgical
1
: relating to dramaturgy, especially to the technical aspects of play construction
dramaturgic theory
modification of dramaturgic techniques to the peculiar needs of the motion picture
2
: dramatic, theatrical
the dramaturgic heights attained by some of the older Shakespearean actors
dramaturgically
adverb
In theatrical terms, this means well-drawn characters living in a self-contained, dramaturgically sound world where, when conflict arises, there is a resolution …
—
Hilton Als, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2004
Hilton Als, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2004
Examples of dramaturgy in a Sentence
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George F. Will, Washington Post, 12 June 2026
Charles O’Malley holds a doctorate in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the Yale School of Drama and has worked at theatres across the United States.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Adams was instrumental in the development of both plays, working closely with the writers to formulate how the dramaturgy would be conceived in three dimensions.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Krithika has been refining the work through dramaturgy.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
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Noun
This durable achievement of American dramaturgy will grip audiences in 2049 and beyond because Miller’s art survived his politics.
—George F. Will, Washington Post, 12 June 2026
Charles O’Malley holds a doctorate in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the Yale School of Drama and has worked at theatres across the United States.
—Literary Hub, 2 June 2026
Adams was instrumental in the development of both plays, working closely with the writers to formulate how the dramaturgy would be conceived in three dimensions.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Krithika has been refining the work through dramaturgy.
—Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dramaturgy
Cite this Entry
“Dramaturgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dramaturgy. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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