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 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 The fifth annual International Guitar Festival gathers performers from Colombia, Israel, Italy and America, showcasing melodies from around the world. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 For an artist who has spent years turning passion into melodies, there’s something fitting about that answer. — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 It’s built on a sweltering steel guitar part, a lethal chorus melody and enough relationship drama to sustain any group chat for months. — Klara Auerbach, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for melody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melody
  1. song
  2. tune
Noun
  • Watermarks would indicate that the rights to a song were owned by a particular music label or that the rights to a movie were held by a film studio.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Cameras have spotted Kaydee and Shadow singing morning songs and flying around together since the death of Shadow’s former partner, Jackie.
    — Annie Colbert, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • Every October, the streets of Deadwood, South Dakota, fill with familiar tunes—by not-so-familiar faces.
    — Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Finish this article of course, and tune into CNBC for a while to get caught up, but enjoy vacation.
    — Todd Gordon, CNBC, 18 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on melody

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about melody

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