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.
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
Not since a local TV station trained a camera on the back door of John Calipari’s Memphis office, trying to see if the coach was literally leaving for Kentucky, has a coach inspired such melodrama.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
Also, that movie is George Lucas playing with genre film and sword-and-sandals/noir/detective/high-melodrama romance and having funwith it.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
Rather than earnestly leaning into the melodrama, the show constantly undercuts its emotional moments with a punchline, which quickly becomes more exhausting than charming.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025
Amid the melodrama, Trier inserts flashes of comedy.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
Also, that movie is George Lucas playing with genre film and sword-and-sandals/noir/detective/high-melodrama romance and having funwith it.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
Rather than earnestly leaning into the melodrama, the show constantly undercuts its emotional moments with a punchline, which quickly becomes more exhausting than charming.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025
Amid the melodrama, Trier inserts flashes of comedy.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share