melody

noun

mel·​o·​dy ˈme-lə-dē How to pronounce melody (audio)
plural melodies
1
: a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of sounds
whilst all the winds with melody are ringingP. B. Shelley
2
: a rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic whole
a hummable melody
the piper's fingers play the melody on a pipe called a chanterPat Cahill
melodic adjective
melodically adverb

Examples of melody in a Sentence

He wrote a piece that includes some beautiful melodies. a composer known for his love of melody He sang a few old melodies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of my favorite parts of Oblivion is the French band M83’s atmospheric, electronic score, which combines pulsating beats, ambient textures and soaring melodies that echo both the technological sophistication of Jack’s world and the emotional weight of his discoveries. Travis Bean, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Audio and music players for kids give them access a unique variety of stories, melodies, voices, and cultures that can spark a lifelong love of music and books. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 2 Nov. 2024 Flickering fire and dancing shadows in a dark cave. Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words… Space, experimental, melodies Tell us about your artist/band name… The band name was created in reflection of unity, togetherness, and becoming a genuine family. Amanda Peukert, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024 With producer Tony Duardo (who frequently works with fellow amapiano star Uncle Waffles) and vocalists Optimist and Maestro in tow, the Grammy-winning artist stays true to her amapiano roots with the track’s bustling log drums and folk-tinged melody. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for melody 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English melodie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin melodia, from Greek melōidia chanting, music, from melos limb, musical phrase, song (probably akin to Breton mell joint) + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of melody was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near melody

Cite this Entry

“Melody.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melody. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

melody

noun
mel·​o·​dy ˈmel-əd-ē How to pronounce melody (audio)
plural melodies
1
: a pleasing succession of sounds
2
: a series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect
3
: the leading part in a musical composition involving harmony

More from Merriam-Webster on melody

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