melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈme-lə-dē 

plural melodies

1

: a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds

whilst all the winds with melody are ringing

—P. B. Shelley

2

: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole

a hummable melody

the piper's fingers play the melody on a pipe called a chanter

—Pat Cahill

melodic

mə-ˈlä-dik 

adjective

melodically

mə-ˈlä-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• air
• lay
• song
• strain
• tune
• warble

Examples of melody in a Sentence

He wrote a piece that includes some beautiful melodies.

a composer known for his love of melody

He sang a few old melodies.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s a little melody to it that’s very lovely and presentational, sort of like a hostess. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 18 June 2024

The history of jazz and musicianship in Black American protest is deeper than many people realize, said Mr. Marsalis, the legendary trumpeter who delivers stirring melodies throughout the album. —Ryan Doan-Nguyen and Aaron Morrison, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 June 2024

What that sounds like in practice here is cinematic and sweeping progressive techno with a celestial vibe, an edge of darkness and a memorable and sort of haunting melody. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 14 June 2024

Welch and Bartlett’s melodies are full of dark longing, Welch’s lyrics pointed and often witty (when they can be made out, that is). —Bob Verini, Variety, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English melodie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin melodia, from Greek melōidia chanting, music, from melos limb, musical phrase, song (probably akin to Breton mell joint) + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈmel-əd-ē 

plural melodies

1

: a pleasing succession of sounds

2

: a series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect

3

: the leading part in a musical composition involving harmony