melody

noun

ˈme-lə-dē How to pronounce melody (audio)
Definition of melodynext
as in song
a rhythmic series of musical tones arranged to give a pleasing effect this week, we'll learn to play a more complicated melody on the saxophone

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of melody Disgruntled colonists in taverns and town squares borrowed British melodies to support new lyrics expressive of a developing national consciousness. — Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 His mother, Mohinder Kaur Bhamra, sang Punjabi folk melodies over them, and the first British Asian dance album, Punjabi Disco, was born. — Vrinda Jagota, Pitchfork, 27 June 2026 The music follows the birth of the United States through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to World Wars I and II, adding spirited and moving melodies along the way. — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2026 Even more than usual, critics and Dylanologists scrutinized Modern Times for references and allusions, finding words and melodies paraphrased from the works of Muddy Waters, Bing Crosby, and the Roman poet Ovid. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for melody
Recent Examples of Synonyms for melody
  1. song
  2. tune
Noun
  • The search for the opening song stretched into the final weeks before filming, with Kittrell, Dries and pilot director Jason Moore trading ideas over text.
    — Angelina Mazza, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • That passion was evident throughout the evening as supporters periodically broke into song.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of song
Noun
  • In the 30 years following the tune’s release, disappointment has only continued to plague the Three Lions.
    — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • The work features four vocal soloists who represent Native American, Sephardic, African American and Protestant religious traditions, along with instrumental music based on early American hymn tunes.
    — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of tune

Browse Nearby Words

melodramatizing
melody
melon
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Cite this Entry

“Melody.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/melody. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on melody

Nglish: Translation of melody for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about melody

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