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

The rock concept is a fresh context for her work with Cook and Keane that still feels of a piece in its springy momentum, bright yet sour melodies, and the way even the heavy reverb seems to fly through clear air. — Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026

The swing has six speeds, and both forms offer two vibration settings, 10 melodies and five soothing sounds. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

Korolenko wrote melodies for these songs from scratch, drawing on his knowledge of Yiddish, Soviet and 19th-century Russian music traditions. — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

Their cynicism is still there, but it’s carried by brighter melodies and a willingness to let the music speak as loudly as the message. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 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