Definition of MELODRAMA

melodrama

Meanings

Plural: melodramas, melodramata

Noun

  • an extravagant comedy in which action is more salient than characterization
  • A kind of drama having a musical accompaniment to intensify the effect of certain scenes.
  • A drama abounding in romantic sentiment and agonizing situations, with a musical accompaniment only in parts which are especially thrilling or pathetic.
  • A passage in which the orchestra plays a somewhat descriptive accompaniment, while the actor speaks.
  • Any situation or action which is blown out of proportion.

Origin / Etymology

From French mélodrame, the second element refashioned by analogy with drama; ultimately from Ancient Greek μέλος (mélos, “limb”, “member”, “song”, “tune”, “melody”) + δρᾶμα (drâma, “deed”, “theatrical act”). Compare melodrame. Cognate to German Melodram and Spanish melodrama.

Scrabble Score: 14

melodrama is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
melodrama is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
melodrama is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

melodrama is a valid Words With Friends word