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 actress dated her Melrose Place costar Andrew Shue while filming the popular ‘90s melodrama. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 June 2025

There is surprisingly little melodrama or tragedy to draw on: just four co-workers. —Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 18 June 2025

That was easily the most engaging melodrama of the week so far. —Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

The ten-ton Behind the Music melodrama of Wilson’s later life often threatened to obscure his actual musical contribution, already so offbeat and vulnerable. —Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 13 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