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

Whether set in Jewish eastern Europe or New York’s Lower East Side, Shtok’s range is on full display, from gossipy melodramas and elegiac reveries to coming of age portraits of shtetl adolescents and immigrant hustlers. —Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026

What follows is a grief drama of a different kind, one part melodrama, one part soap opera, all of it original and with a deceptively light touch. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 22 Jan. 2026

Sentimental Value was the big winner at the 38th European Film Awards, with Joachim Trier’s Norwegian melodrama winning best film, as well as best director and twin acting honors for Stellan Skarsgard and Renate Reinsve. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 Jan. 2026

Dabis embraces the conventions of melodrama with sombre grace. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026

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