soap opera

American  

[op-er-uh, op-ruh] / ˈɒp ər ə, ˈɒp rə /

noun

1. a radio or television series depicting the interconnected lives of many characters often in a sentimental, melodramatic way.

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soap opera British  

noun

1. a serialized drama, usually dealing with domestic themes and characterized by sentimentality, broadcast on radio or television

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soap opera Idioms  

1. 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.

2. 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]

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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

The audience for the wedding, which aired over two days, was around 30 million viewers and remains the highest-rated soap opera event in history.

From Los Angeles Times

You have to laugh at Mr. Delrahim’s ironic reappearance in this antitrust soap opera.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I did two soap operas and it was great,” Moura says excitedly.

From Los Angeles Times

There were just eight 147s across the 1980s, a snooker decade bursting with soap opera drama and towering characters.

From BBC

A neat bookend to another traumatic 12 months in Welsh rugby's soap opera.

From BBC

Related Words

• melodrama
• serial
• soap