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 lineup of vocalists—some brash, some beautiful, all aggressive and confident—center some of the most memorable funk rapping and melodies in recent memory, recalling the gorgeous vocal work of funk royalty like Tati Quebra Barraco and MC Bin Laden. —Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026

There are lots of melodies out there. —Karen Stabiner, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

His music is intricate yet accessible, combining lush melodies with driving rhythms that invite audiences to lose themselves while feeling something profound. —Mandeep Rai, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Overall, his favorite part about singing to his daughter is her reaction to the lyrics and melody. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 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