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.
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
John of John explores a range of relationships — romantic, religious, erotic, familial — enriched by a dollop of melodrama.
—
Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
There’s something about it that rages and burns, especially among young women who process their emotions through melody and melodrama.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
The director, who began his career as the youngest Best Director nominee in Academy Award history for his debut, Boyz n the Hood, spent the next two decades moving among deeply personal melodramas, studio action films, and historical stories.
—Robert Daniels, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
The film is described as a psychological melodrama with almost supernatural overtones, suspended between musical backstage, ghost story, and a toxic relationship between two brilliant women who know each other too well.
—Maddalena Gomez, Vanity Fair, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
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Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
There’s something about it that rages and burns, especially among young women who process their emotions through melody and melodrama.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026
The director, who began his career as the youngest Best Director nominee in Academy Award history for his debut, Boyz n the Hood, spent the next two decades moving among deeply personal melodramas, studio action films, and historical stories.
—Robert Daniels, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
The film is described as a psychological melodrama with almost supernatural overtones, suspended between musical backstage, ghost story, and a toxic relationship between two brilliant women who know each other too well.
—Maddalena Gomez, Vanity Fair, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for melodrama
Cite this Entry
“Melodrama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melodrama. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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