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

Crowley veers from the usual overt melodrama and emotional manipulation, though the way the film unfolds disrupts the natural emotional progression of their characters. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024

Steinbeck thrived in an era when sweep and melodrama and heft—not to mention manliness—signified quality literature. —Mark Athitakis, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024

In a storyline better befitting a melodrama than a popularity vote, Grazer won her second Fat Bear Contest Tuesday by defeating the male behemoth that killed her cub this summer. —CBS News, 9 Oct. 2024

Nagin [snake] musicals, fight scenes, dance numbers, and melodrama created an exciting experience for audiences in Bangladeshi cinema halls. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2024

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

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