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.

---

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

---

Other Word 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

Example Sentences

I tried to push Russell out of my mind, but my thoughts slid about, half focused on the demoralizing drama as George fell into poverty, half drifting to my own predicament.

From Literature

“So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine.”

From Los Angeles Times

After the drama of the first Players under his tenure, there can be no argument about that.

From BBC

After a few commercials, Jordan picked up small television roles before his first real break, appearing in a season of the lauded HBO crime drama "The Wire" at age 15.

From Barron's

The romantic drama, directed by Sydney Pollack, is considered one of film’s greatest love stories.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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