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

Fueled by infectious melodies and a smooth production, the Puerto Rican star sings about conquering an attractive woman who’s the object of his desire. —Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2025

The songs were deemed different enough in their melody, harmony, rhythm and lyrics to not infringe on copyright. —Marina Watts, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

The footage, set to a peaceful piano melody, depicts something quite less tranquil than its respective music as the body horror romance sees the couple being put to the test by a mysterious, unnatural force, leading to the ultimate nightmare. —Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025

With their dark, distinctive melodies and rupturing guitar riffs, these albums are the sound of seasoned rockers who are skilled at evoking the Nineties indie-guitar recombination of the moment. —Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 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