noun

melodrama

MEH-luh-drah-muh

noun

A play or story full of exaggerated emotion, dramatic plot twists, and sharply drawn heroes and villains.

"The film was pure melodrama, complete with a tearful deathbed confession."

Behaviour or a situation that is far more emotional or dramatic than the circumstances really call for.

"He turned a minor delay into a full melodrama."

How to Use Melodrama

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishExaggerated drama with strong emotions and clear-cut heroes and villains — or, informally, an overreaction to something small.

Common pairings

pure melodrama a bit of melodrama unnecessary melodrama

melodramas plural, melodramata plural

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The film was pure _____, complete with a tearful deathbed confession.

From French mélodrame, ultimately from Greek melos ("song") plus drama — originally a stage drama with musical accompaniment at emotional moments.

ama lama mama kama tama gama Yama Bama Hama Sama llama drama