melodrama

noun

melo·​dra·​ma ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə 

-ˌdra-

1

a

: a work (such as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization

an actor with a flair for melodrama

b

: the genre (see genre sense 1) of dramatic literature constituted by such works

2

: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality

The trial turned into a melodrama.

melodramatist

ˌme-lə-ˈdra-mə-tist 

-ˈdrä-

noun

Examples of melodrama in a Sentence

Critics dismissed his work as melodrama.

an actor with a talent for melodrama

She is starring in another melodrama.

The trial turned into a melodrama.

a life full of melodrama

Recent Examples on the Web

As the melodrama unfolded, the ups and downs of each candidate were tracked not only in the polls but for the first time in modern history by prediction markets. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024

But if spooky isn’t your vibe, there’s a crime melodrama that’s also somehow a musical, a political thriller, several TV finales, and more. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024

In the over-the-top new melodrama from French writer-director Jacques Audiard (Rust and Bone, A Prophet), Gascón plays a dangerous Mexico City drug kingpin named Manitas who undergoes gender-affirming surgery to fulfill his dream of being a woman, becoming the titular Emilia. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

Its talky theatricality and soapy melodrama is bolstered by more political jargon than a CNN Election Night roundtable (and with smarter dialogue). —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

modification of French mélodrame, from Greek melos song + French drame drama, from Late Latin drama

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

melodrama

noun

melo·​dra·​ma ˈmel-ə-ˌdräm-ə 

-ˌdram-

1

a

: a work (as a movie or play) marked by the exaggerated emotions of the characters and the importance of action and plot

b

: such works as a group

2

: melodramatic events or behavior