drama

American  

[drah-muh, dram-uh] / ˈdrɑ mə, ˈdræm ə /

noun

1. a composition in prose or verse presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of character, especially one intended to be acted on the stage; a play.

2. the branch of literature having such compositions as its subject; dramatic art or representation.

3. the art dealing with the writing and production of plays.

4. any situation or series of events having vivid, emotional, conflicting, or striking interest or results.

   the drama of a murder trial.

5. the quality of being dramatic.

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drama British  

/ ˈdrɑːmə /

noun

1. a work to be performed by actors on stage, radio, or television; play

2. the genre of literature represented by works intended for the stage

3. the art of the writing and production of plays

4. a situation or sequence of events that is highly emotional, tragic, or turbulent

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• minidrama
  noun

Etymology

Origin of drama

First recorded in 1505–15; from Late Latin, from Greek drâma “action (of a play),” from drá(ein), drâ(n) “to act, do” + -ma, noun suffix

Explanation

Drama is highly emotional. It can happen on stage, like a performance of "Hamlet," or in a gaggle of 7th grade girls, breathlessly dissecting why so-and-so broke up with what's-her-name. The word drama comes directly from Greek, meaning "action" or "a play." Which is no surprise, since ancient Athens was a hotbed of dramatic theater. The earliest recorded actor was a Greek named Thespis, and actors today are still called "thespians" in his honor. Drama doesn't always take place on the stage, though. You can use the word, sometimes with a roll of the eyes, to describe behavior or a reaction to a situation that appears a little overly emotional.

Example Sentences

There was no great drama around the breakup of Soundgarden; there was a press release with a measured, careful statement, and then the band was no more.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026

The play was categorized by the Tony committee as a revival, but it’s really an original drama — one that gave rise to one of the most enthralling productions of the year.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

“Strong index performance has masked internal drama; dispersion of returns has jumped to post-Covid highs,” she said.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

In this drama, the sensible is always the loser.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

I found the drama teacher, whose name I didn’t know, sitting in the lotus position in the middle of the stage.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• comedy
• farce
• melodrama
• play
• production
• scene
• show
• theater
• tragedy