1. plural of melodrama; dramatic works characterized by exaggerated emotions, sensational events, and clear distinctions between good and evil characters
Usage: theater; literature
2. situations or events in real life that are overly dramatic or emotional
Usage: informal

Examples

• The theater company specialized in Victorian melodramas with villains and heroines.
• Classic melodramas often featured last-minute rescues and dramatic revelations.
• She grew tired of the constant melodramas in her friend’s relationships.
• The soap opera was full of melodramas that kept viewers engaged.
• His tendency to turn minor problems into melodramas exhausted his family.
• The film festival showcased several silent melodramas from the 1920s.