melody

noun

ˈme-lə-dē How to pronounce melody (audio)
Definition of melodynext
as in song
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect this week, we'll learn to play a more complicated melody on the saxophone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of melody The beats are over the top, the writing is bold and direct, and Stephens is an alluring main character with a sharp tongue and an ear for dynamic pop and R&B melodies. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026 Wolf frequently climbed behind the drum kit, while songs were allowed to develop naturally around melody, storytelling and performance. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026 Entertainment features include 15 classic melodies, and there is a mobile with three soft toys. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 For centuries most Western Classical music was based on tonality, a system in which melodies and harmonies revolve around a central key. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for melody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melody
  1. song
  2. tune
Noun
  • Back in 2015, Parton and her team buried a chestnut box filled with physical copies of a brand new song in two formats, cassette and CD, along with their corresponding players, under her Dollywood DreamMore Resort and Spa.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The song, famously written by Parton as an emotional farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner and his show, topped the country chart in 1974.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • Kesha noted that her mom, Pebe Sebert, was one of the writers on the tune.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With each passing year, Parton seemingly became more in-tune with her style, leading to some of her wildest, most Dolly outfits of all time.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of tune

Browse Nearby Words

melodramatizing
melody
melon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Melody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melody. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on melody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about melody

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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