First Known Use: 1802
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
1
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
2
: 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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Origin of MELODRAMA
modification of French mélodrame, from Greek melos song + French drame drama, from Late Latin drama
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