drama

American  

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

noun

• dramas
  plural

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• dramas
  plural

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

See Examples For:

drama dramas

On Sunday morning, the world was watching as drama unfolded in the village of Whelford.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

But, for many watching, the drama feels all too real.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

Though “One Man In” strives for drama, its greatest rewards may not be what the author intended.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

Despite the planning, Parton’s estate settlement has not been completely without drama.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

Leo is across the room at the computer, totally unaware of the drama in his group.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Really, the questionable part of vertical dramas is the gambling-style structure that envelopes them, not some inherent problem with the content itself.

From Slate ● Sep. 26, 2026

Trevor Nunn, formerly the artistic director of both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, is adept at making potentially starchy period dramas appealing to contemporary audiences.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026

It is the third fire this year at the Grade II-listed Victorian building, which was used as a filming location for period dramas Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

But with the perspective of 25 years, what’s lingered for the most part aren’t the most literal depictions of the day, but oblique dramas that capture something more subtle: the free-floating anxiety of a nightmare.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

I stopped writing to him about going to the mall with my friends or about my dumb friend dramas and instead started pushing him for more details: I’d ask outright, What do you need?

From "I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

Related Words

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