melodrama

noun

melo·​dra·​ma ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 

-ˌdra-

1

a

: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization

an actor with a flair for melodrama

b

: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works

2

: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality

The trial turned into a melodrama.

melodramatist

ˌme-lə-ˈdra-mə-tist 

-ˈdrä-

noun

Examples of melodrama in a Sentence

Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.

an actor with a talent for melodrama

She is starring in another melodrama.

The trial turned into a melodrama.

a life full of melodrama

Recent Examples on the Web

The genres span romance, drama, thriller, fantasy, action and comedy – and while the storytelling may not exactly be high art with a high quotient of melodrama and a cliffhanger every few minutes – Jia says that is exactly the point. —Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 19 June 2026

That helps steer the show out of the realm of melodrama, and keeps viewers focused on the heroic protagonists doing their jobs. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

Dressed in a white Hellenic gown, Moore sang the tune with equal melodrama. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

Part physics lecture, part rehearsal for a future death, the 75-minute piece shifts from glowing equations and sandbox experiments to Tagore songs, Bollywood widow melodrama and intimate Bangla conversations. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of French mélodrame, from Greek melos song + French drame drama, from Late Latin drama

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for melodrama

• katayama
• psychodrama
• agama
• bahama
• pajama
• ulama
• brahma
• chama
• comma
• dama
• drama
• gama

Kids Definition

melodrama

noun

melo·​dra·​ma ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə 

-ˌdram-

1

a

: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot

b

: such works as a group

2

: melodramatic events or behavior