Melodrama Definition
mĕlə-drämə, -drămə
melodramas
noun
A sensational or romantic stage play with interspersed songs and an orchestral accompaniment.
Webster's New World
A drama, as a play or film, characterized by exaggerated conflicts and emotions, stereotyped characters, etc.
Webster's New World
The dramatic genre characterized by this treatment.
American Heritage
Such dramas collectively.
Webster's New World
Any sensational, extravagantly emotional situation, behavior, etc.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Melodrama
Noun
Singular:
melodrama
Plural:
melodramasOrigin of Melodrama
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From French mélodrame, the second element refashioned by analogy with drama; ultimately from Ancient Greek μέλος (melos, “limb", “member", “song", “tune", “melody") + δρᾶμα (drāma, “deed", “theatrical act"). Compare melodrame. Cognate to German Melodram and Spanish melodrama.
From Wiktionary
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Alteration of melodrame from French mélodrame spoken drama that includes some musical accompaniment, melodrama Greek melos song French drame drama (from Late Latin drāma drama)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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