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

He is the master of the manifest destiny soap opera, after all.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

If it was a soap opera, he'd have been barred from the pub and written out the script.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Still, bickering over a voided hockey season arguably makes for a healthier relationship than whatever is going on in the soap opera otherwise known as Norwegian biathlon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

The colorful Moira Rose was a city socialite and former soap opera star before her family’s fortune turned and they wound up living in “the sticks,” surrounded by simple folk.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

It sounds farfetched, but like a roast forsaken in the oven or a rescheduled dental appointment, childbirth is one of those minor details that tends to slip the minds of most soap opera characters.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• melodrama
• serial
• soap