1. the art or practice of acting in or producing plays
Usage: often used with ‘the’
2. exaggerated or theatrical behavior intended to get attention
Usage: informal; often disapproving

Examples

• She studied dramatics in college and now works as a theater director.
• The school’s dramatics club is performing Shakespeare this fall.
• His dramatics during the meeting were completely unnecessary.
• Stop the dramatics and just tell me what happened.
• The dramatics department received a grant for new equipment.
• Her constant dramatics make it hard to take her seriously.
• He has a natural talent for dramatics and storytelling.