Definition of "melodrama" in English

noun

1. (archaic, uncountable) A kind of drama having a musical accompaniment to intensify the effect of certain scenes.

2. (countable) A drama abounding in romantic sentiment and agonizing situations, with a musical accompaniment only in parts which are especially thrilling or pathetic.

3. (countable, opera) A passage in which the orchestra plays a somewhat descriptive accompaniment, while the actor speaks.

   • The grave-digging scene in Beethoven's “Fidelio” has much melodrama.

4. (uncountable, figuratively, colloquial) Any situation or action which is blown out of proportion.