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 DeCicca strikes just the right balance with his arrangements, giving Askew’s spare keyboard lines and deceptively casual melodies heft without overwhelming them. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 July 2026 Her own pieces are impressive examples of songcraft, with narrative twists sets to supple, memorable melodies. — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Korolenko wrote melodies for these songs from scratch, drawing on his knowledge of Yiddish, Soviet and 19th-century Russian music traditions. — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026 Four Tet’s sense for sound design shines from crushed 8-bit drums to the hypnotic handpan grooves and sharp synth melodies. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for melody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melody
  1. song
  2. tune
Noun
  • After nearly 50 years on Main Street in Evanston, as every song has a final note, the final note for Guitar Works is being played.
    — Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As per usual, that song — which is the title track to band’s fourth album from 1977 — served as a massive platform for Young’s guitar work.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • However, watching a couple exchange their vows changed his tune.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The motivation seems to be less about the tune and more about the interest that the collab between the unlikely pair, both 43, would create.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on melody

Nglish: Translation of melody for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about melody

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