telenovela

noun

tel·​e·​no·​vela ˌte-lə-nō-ˈve-lə 

: a soap opera produced in and televised in or from many Latin American countries

Examples of telenovela in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While streamer Globoplay tends to make microdramas with original plots, TV Globo, the leading open-TV network in Brazil, focuses on spinoffs of characters of telenovelas simultaneously airing in their lineup. — Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 22 May 2026

Initially, the strategy was used for telenovelas but was later adapted for use in radio serial dramas. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2026

With hair teased to the gods, McCarthy partnered with the beloved beauty brand to star in a telenovela that was oozing with can't-look-away drama, steamy romance, and lots of hot-pink Glow Reviver Lip Oil. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026

Only one, Mexico, canned it after one season and that was after an almost telenovela-length first run of episodes. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from tele- tele- + novela novel, serial drama

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for telenovela

• arabella
• bartonella
• bordetella
• cinderella
• citronella
• columella
• isabella
• klebsiella
• legionella
• mozzarella
• pasteurella
• salmonella