melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈme-lə-dē 

plural melodies

1

: a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds

… whilst all the winds with melody are ringing.

—Percy Bysshe Shelley

2

: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole

a hummable melody

the piper's fingers play the melody on a pipe called a chanter

—Pat Cahill

melodic

mə-ˈlä-dik 

adjective

melodically

mə-ˈlä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of melody

• song
• tune

Examples of melody in a Sentence

He wrote a piece that includes some beautiful melodies.

a composer known for his love of melody

He sang a few old melodies.

Recent Examples on the Web

Set against piano and trumpet melodies, each verse is imbued with messages of hope and resilience, reflecting the group’s unwavering spirit. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026

Even as the track shifts its attention to the synth melody, the buds keep the bass clear while offering a bright, energetic sound for that synth. —Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026

Where sampling once meant reshaping older songs into something new, these artists often work more directly, pulling recognizable melodies, flows, and textures before placing them side by side. —Keegan Brady, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026

The Welsh melody merchants kick things off in May, bringing their psych-pop blazers and splendorous baroque-pop to venues around the United Kingdom and Ireland. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English melodie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin melodia, from Greek melōidia chanting, music, from melos limb, musical phrase, song (probably akin to Breton mell joint) + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈmel-əd-ē 

plural melodies

1

: a pleasing succession of sounds

2

: a series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect

3

: the leading part in a musical composition involving harmony