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 dog’s unexpected choice of lounging spot—bypassing plush bedding for the bare functionality of a training pad—and the emotional piano melody that played against the moment, has amplified the comic effect of the clip. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025

That cycle of repeating pain mirrors the song’s looping melody. —Billboard China, Billboard, 13 Nov. 2025

Delivered with third-rail voltage rock ‘n’ roll, or sweet, heartbreaking, lush, symphonic melodies, either version of the man’s music is classic. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2025

Lightfoot’s vocals were added later, as his crisply enunciated singing, vivid lyrics and Irish-style folk melody sold the storytelling. —Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 9 Nov. 2025

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