soap opera
Americannoun
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soap operas
plural
noun
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A radio or television serial with stock characters in domestic dramas that are noted for being sentimental and melodramatic. For example, She just watches soap operas all day long . This term originated in the mid-1930s and was so called because the sponsors of the earliest such radio shows were often soap manufacturers.
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Real-life situation resembling one that might occur in a soap opera, as in She just goes on and on about her various medical and family problems, one long soap opera . [1940s]
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of soap opera
An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; so called because soap manufacturers were among the original sponsors of such programs
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the mid-1970s, he had a recurring role as soldier Martin Gimbel in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale Farm.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
The track was used as the wedding theme in an episode of the Australian soap opera “Neighbours,” in which characters Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell got married.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
Tune into a smartphone soap opera: Are we entering a new phase of television?
From Slate ● Sep. 16, 2026
For best drama actress, Rosen says it will be a race between "Pluribus" star Rhea Seehorn and Keri Russell for political soap opera "The Diplomat."
From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026
As if this period was suddenly the new episode of a soap opera, and the long-thought-dead evil twin had just sauntered back into town.
From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway
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