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

One of my favorite parts of Oblivion is the French band M83’s atmospheric, electronic score, which combines pulsating beats, ambient textures and soaring melodies that echo both the technological sophistication of Jack’s world and the emotional weight of his discoveries. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Audio and music players for kids give them access a unique variety of stories, melodies, voices, and cultures that can spark a lifelong love of music and books. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 2 Nov. 2024

Flickering fire and dancing shadows in a dark cave. Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words… Space, experimental, melodies Tell us about your artist/band name… The band name was created in reflection of unity, togetherness, and becoming a genuine family. —Amanda Peukert, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024

With producer Tony Duardo (who frequently works with fellow amapiano star Uncle Waffles) and vocalists Optimist and Maestro in tow, the Grammy-winning artist stays true to her amapiano roots with the track’s bustling log drums and folk-tinged melody. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 31 Oct. 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