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

Examples of romantic comedy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The romantic comedy opens Friday. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026

This fetishy adventure is a minimalist romantic comedy in which submissive meets dominant, and submissive explores his physical and emotional vulnerabilities. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Four-time Oscar nominee Bardem is best known for dramatic roles but hit romantic comedy-dramas include Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Eat Pray Love. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026

The romantic comedy The Pink Panther (1963) was also partially shot in Cortina, as was A Place for Lovers (1968), starring a 27-year-old Faye Dunaway. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for romantic comedy

• tragicomedy