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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 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

They argue that the electorate is sick of political soap opera and they want to get on with governing – against a tricky international and domestic backdrop.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

Naomi propped herself up on the sofa after dinner and watched Beto try to get Edgar to fetch a bit of pencil as they all listened to a soap opera.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez

Related Words

• melodrama
• serial
• soap