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

For centuries most Western Classical music was based on tonality, a system in which melodies and harmonies revolve around a central key. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026

The fifth annual International Guitar Festival gathers performers from Colombia, Israel, Italy and America, showcasing melodies from around the world. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

For an artist who has spent years turning passion into melodies, there’s something fitting about that answer. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The resulting sound combines disco and psychedelic funk with Turkish melodies, rhythmic patterns and lyrics. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 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