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

But the melodrama is perhaps the point—grief, Rooney recognizes, rarely unspools at anything like a measured pace or intensity. —Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2024

Melody Anderson, Marilyn & Bobby: Her Final Affair (1993) Another TV movie contender, 1993's Marilyn & Bobby: Her Final Affair has all the muted melodrama expected of both the film's title and its medium. —Allaire Nuss, EW.com, 17 Sep. 2024

The melodrama adds insight into the inner workings of Lagos, and puts the audience deep inside this fascinating city. —Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024

To me, melodrama or disparagingly, some might refer to it as a soap opera, that’s when people lose their emotional stakes. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 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