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

As always, the ass-kickin’ melodrama begins and ends with our Mother Lioness, Zoe Saldaña’s Joe McNamara. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2026

Despite the film’s slow-cinema touches, its storytelling structure and emotionality — even though muted and quiet — recall instead the melodrama at its most facile. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026

The film’s mix of musical swagger, YA melodrama, and winking world-building hit a nerve, turning its core cast into fixtures for a generation that grew up streaming the soundtrack on a loop. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026

The week of melodrama followed a familiar pattern for Zelensky – reminiscent of a crisis a year ago over the fate of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau. — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 22 July 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
• psychodrama
• agama
• bahama
• pajama
• ulama
• brahma
• chama
• comma
• dama
• drama
• gama

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