drama

noun

dra·​ma ˈdrä-mə  ˈdra- 

1

a

literature : a composition (see composition sense 5a) in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance : play compare closet drama

b

: a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play

broadly : a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject

a police drama

2

literature : dramatic art, literature, or affairs

English drama

3

a

: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces

the drama of the past week

dealing with some family drama

b

: dramatic state, effect, or quality

the drama of the courtroom proceedings

Synonyms

• dramatics
• stage
• theater
• theatre
• theatricals
• theatrics

Examples of drama in a Sentence

He is reading an ancient Greek drama.

I prefer drama to comedy.

His interest in drama began at a very young age.

She studied drama in college.

the dramas of teenage life

She watched the drama unfold as they began screaming at each other.

a competition full of drama

the drama of the courtroom proceedings

Recent Examples on the Web

With golf's biggest names battling on one of the sport's most breathtaking courses, the final round at Pebble Beach promises big drama, high stakes, and plenty of unforgettable moments. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025

The Emmy Award winner played Commissioner Frank Reagan in the crime drama for 14 seasons from 2010 to 2024. —Ashley Hume, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025

Even with their flaws, the Rangers are still a destination for players, drama earlier this season be damned. —Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 1 Feb. 2025

Part comedy, part drama, part horror film, this incredibly accomplished debut announces the arrival of a huge star both in front of and behind the camera. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin drāmat-, drāma, borrowed from Greek drāmat-, drâma "deed, action, dramatic performance, play, dramatic event," from drā-, alternate stem of dráō, drân "to do, perform, accomplish, act" (of uncertain origin) + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix

Note: In Indo-European terms, Greek dráō could be assigned to a present formation *dr̥h₂-i̯é- from a base *dreh₂- "do," but there are no recognizable cognates. Lithuanian darýti is more likely an iterative derivative from derė́ti "to be of use."

First Known Use

1515, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing drama

• closet drama
• comedy drama
• costume drama
• drama queen
• high drama
• music drama

Kids Definition

drama

noun

dra·​ma ˈdräm-ə  ˈdram- 

1

a

: a written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage : play

b

: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject

2

: dramatic art, literature, or affairs

3

a

: an exciting event or series of events

the drama of the basketball playoffs

b

: dramatic effect or quality

used colored lighting for drama