melody

noun mel·o·dy \ ˈme-lə-dē \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Examples: melody in a Sentence

Definition of melody

plural melodies

1 : a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds

whilst all the winds with melody are ringing
—P. B. 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

play \mə-ˈlä-dik\ adjective

—

melodically

play \-di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See melody defined for English-language learners

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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-fashioned melodies.

Recent Examples of melody from the Web

So by being willing to share his own ups and downs through song, Loggins is able to establish a connectivity with listeners, and that is what makes his music more than just a collection of notes, melodies and lyrics.

— chuck yarborough, cleveland.com, "Kenny Loggins gets 'Footloose' with CYO and heads into the 'Danger Zone'," 14 May 2018
Collazo sang to the tune of a Spanish birthday melody while holding a cupcake with a lighted candle.

— arelis r. hernández, Washington Post, "In Puerto Rico’s ‘last mile,’ power is still elusive as next hurricane season looms," 4 Apr. 2018
Early Weeknd prioritized vibe over melody and storytelling.

— mikael wood, latimes.com, "Why the Weeknd's great new EP isn't really a throwback," 2 Apr. 2018
My phone is full, full, full of melodies all the time.

— janine schaults, chicagotribune.com, "Meet country supergroup Traveller before it says farewell," 10 May 2018
Serving for the first time as his own producer, his crisp, clean arrangements, many of which feature brass and strings, emphasize his linear melodies and sweet, weary voice.

— jim fusilli, WSJ, "‘The Horizon Just Laughed’ by Damien Jurado Review: Comfort Tunes," 2 May 2018
Whether chasing past glories or embracing the thrills of the here-and-now, music fans curious about the sounds of Southern California will find a predictably diverse bunch of melodies and rhythms this season.

— randall roberts, latimes.com, "California Sounds: Five must-hear spring releases from L.A.-area artists," 21 Mar. 2018
The piece’s second movement is built of tender melodies and warm, beautifully layered sounds.

— elaine schmidt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Prometheus Trio gives world premiere of music exploring bipolar disorder," 13 Feb. 2018
The injury distorted the rhythm and melody of her speech, suggesting a foreign accent to those who heard her speak.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "American says she fell asleep with headache - and woke up with a British accent," 12 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'melody.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of melody

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year