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

They’ve been assembled for a brain-breaker of a misfired melodrama, at first darkly amusing, before plunging headlong into soap opera-style twists and a general sense of heavy depression that no one can shake. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

Yamamoto’s story — and the TV adaptations overseen by Osamu Dezaki, a Swiss Army–knife anime director known for bringing action, sports, and soapy high-school melodrama to life onscreen — spends a huge chunk of time on Hiromi’s insecurities. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

The coming-of-age melodrama follows a French class trip to Pompeii and is represented internationally by MK2 Films. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

The song at times hints at Sabbathian doom metal and crunchy guitar but with unique melodrama. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 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