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

• 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

But if the drama has drained the mood at the top, it did not kill the buzz on the floor.

From BBC

College football’s annual rivalry weekend is never short of drama.

From The Wall Street Journal

Domestic drama, with its psychological epiphanies and sentimental resolutions, repelled him.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the case of this maudlin, overwrought drama, “keep your eyes open” would be a more fitting demand.

From Salon

“A nearly eight-hour drama about the Russian intelligentsia that received mixed reviews when it premiered in London in 2002, ‘The Coast of Utopia’ isn’t for the theatrical faint of heart,” cautioned Times critic McNulty.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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