melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈme-lə-dē 

plural melodies

1

: a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds

whilst all the winds with melody are ringing

—P. B. Shelley

2

: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole

a hummable melody

the piper's fingers play the melody on a pipe called a chanter

—Pat Cahill

melodic

mə-ˈlä-dik 

adjective

melodically

mə-ˈlä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• song
• tune

Examples of melody in a Sentence

He wrote a piece that includes some beautiful melodies.

a composer known for his love of melody

He sang a few old melodies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Popular in the Motor City region for more than four decades, Franks always draws adoring crowds to savor his sophisticated melodies and witty, sometimes risqué lyrics. —Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 10 Aug. 2025

Steep, wide banks, not yet filled out by native plants and wildflowers, already greet passersby with a melody of birdsong. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025

Metro and his co-producers nailed the full scope of the futuristic era, from the earworm melodies of neon synths and spooky keys with reverb to the subtleties of the pitter-pattering drum programming. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025

Distinguished by close harmonies, catchy melodies and potent lyricism, the T Sisters’ sound represents a continuum of music from roots to pop influences, a cappella and groovy indie folk. —Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English melodie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin melodia, from Greek melōidia chanting, music, from melos limb, musical phrase, song (probably akin to Breton mell joint) + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈmel-əd-ē 

plural melodies

1

: a pleasing succession of sounds

2

: a series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect

3

: the leading part in a musical composition involving harmony