romantic comedy

noun

plural romantic comedies

: a light, comic movie or other work whose plot focuses on the development of a romantic relationship

This brings us to romantic comedies. … They make money, spawn franchises, and are popular in books, movies, and on television. Sexual tension is fun to watch, and we like rooting for a will-they-won't-they couple.

—Elizabeth Logan

also : this style or genre of work

an actor with a talent for romantic comedy

called also rom-com

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps a tactic to fuel buzz for the romantic comedy, or just an honest display of the affection the two actors appear to have for each other? —Alli Rosebloom, CNN, 25 Apr. 2023

Of the ingredients that define the romantic comedy, none is more rewarded — by audiences or potential paramours — than the grand gesture. —Lorena O’neil, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2023

The romantic comedy, whose third season was released in December, traces Emily’s adventures and misadventures in her Parisian career and love life. —Jeffrey Schaeffer, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2023

Hoult conveys an endearing shyness and quick wit that makes his scenes with Awkwafina (at least the non-gory ones) feel as light-hearted as a romantic comedy. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 13 Apr. 2023

In yet another iconic romantic comedy, Kathryn returns to her funny best friend role. —Olivia Evans, Women's Health, 6 Apr. 2023

This month, dive into a hilarious new romantic comedy, devour a biography of a titan of American culture, indulge in a story of terror on the high seas, or tear through a memoir from one of the world's most iconic performers. —The Editors, townandcountrymag.com, 4 Apr. 2023

Rye Lane may be the most unconventional conventional romantic comedy in years, delivering the genre’s trappings in such fizzy, gleefully inventive ways that even predictable beats feel new. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2023

The romantic comedy was released in 1999, starring Fraser, Silverstone, Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek and Dave Foley. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 19 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above