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

Wilson began the performance by playing the song’s familiar melody on his guitar before wrapping the anthem in baritone vocal notes. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

When the melody feels right and is looping in my mind, or playing and singing dummy vocals over and over, certain words start to appear. —Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2025

Soft melodies in the background are also key to a cozy dining atmosphere. —Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2025

Everybody in the band understands what the harmonic structure of each tune is, what the chords are, the melody and dynamic of the song. —George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025

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