Dictionary

melodrama

noun melo·dra·ma \ˈme-lə-ˌdrä-mə, -ˌdra-\

: drama in which many exciting events happen and the characters have very strong or exaggerated emotions

: a situation or series of events in which people have very strong or exaggerated emotions

Full Definition of MELODRAMA

a : a work (as a movie or play) characterized by extravagant theatricality and by the predominance of plot and physical action over characterization

b : the genre of dramatic literature constituted by such works

: something resembling a melodrama especially in having a sensational or theatrical quality

— melo·dra·ma·tist \ˌme-lə-ˈdra-mə-tist, -ˈdrä-\ noun

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modification of French mélodrame, from Greek melos song + French drame drama, from Late Latin drama

First Known Use: 1802

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