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

"This is a tech soap opera that all investors will be watching," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note to investors.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

No soap opera can beat the Bible when it comes to mess.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

Those who enjoy their politics cut with a dash of soap opera will just have to wait.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

O’Hara earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe win for her portrayal of an out-of-touch, overly dramatic former soap opera star known for wearing zany wigs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

“Antonio, do you know the soap opera The Slave IsauraV’ “I’ve seen it at Leo’s. I like that guy who fights the slave owners, you know, Isaura’s boyfriend.”

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau

Related Words

• melodrama
• serial
• soap