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 melancholy and melodrama of that simple scene, mixed with Del Rio’s mournful singing of Orbison’s old pop song, still moves and inspires to this day. —Michael Kogge, IndieWire, 28 June 2025

There are genuine laughs to be had, from which pathos and melodrama emerge fairly naturally. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025

Hairpin turns and stressful pit stops go a long way toward entertaining F1 fans and neophytes alike, though melodrama and a bloated run time put the brakes on what should be a film that zips. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 June 2025

Here, melodrama and misandry merge in lyrics and a performance drenched in the giddiest disbelief about smoking weed with Lady Gaga. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 June 2025

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
• pranayama
• psychodrama
• agama
• bahama
• pajama
• ulama
• brahma
• chama
• comma
• dama
• drama

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