1
a
literature
: a composition (see composition sense 5a) in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance : play compare closet drama
b
: a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play
broadly
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
a police drama
2
literature
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
English drama
3
a
: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces
the drama of the past week
dealing with some family drama
b
: dramatic state, effect, or quality
the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Examples of drama in a Sentence
He is reading an ancient Greek drama.
I prefer drama to comedy.
His interest in drama began at a very young age.
She studied drama in college.
the dramas of teenage life
She watched the drama unfold as they began screaming at each other.
a competition full of drama
the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
The producers cue up flashbacks to Kenya’s 2018 domestic violence PSA, reminding us that for all the glam and drama, these women are real — and relatable.
—
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Apr. 2025
Take a breath everyone, the Avs and Stars have more drama for us over the coming week.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
There also appears to be some friction at this time, potentially some drama in regard to your love life and friendships.
—Kyle Thomas, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Readers in some sense rewrite a text, enlarging its scope through their imagination, creating a whole world by bringing into play their skills, their memory, their dreams and their personal history, with all its drama and symbolism.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drama
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Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Apr. 2025
Take a breath everyone, the Avs and Stars have more drama for us over the coming week.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
There also appears to be some friction at this time, potentially some drama in regard to your love life and friendships.
—Kyle Thomas, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Readers in some sense rewrite a text, enlarging its scope through their imagination, creating a whole world by bringing into play their skills, their memory, their dreams and their personal history, with all its drama and symbolism.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for drama
Cite this Entry
“Drama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
a
: a written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage : play
b
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
2
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3
a
: an exciting event or series of events
the drama of the basketball playoffs
b
: dramatic effect or quality
used colored lighting for drama
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