telenovela

American  

[tel-uh-noh-vel-uh] / ˌtɛl ə noʊˈvɛl ə /

noun

1. (in Latin America and Hispanic communities) a television soap opera, usually having a limited number of episodes.

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Etymology

Origin of telenovela

First recorded in 1960–65; from Spanish, equivalent to tele- tele- ¹ ( def. ) + novela “novel, serial drama”; see novel ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Indeed, the 44-year-old -- the son of popular telenovela actress Maria Sorte -- has become something of a folk superhero in a country worn down by violence, with the looks and attitude to match.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

But attracting the broadest pool of viewers and marketers might turn on whether microdrama can expand beyond its current telenovela and Hallmark Channel style to other genres.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

And Melissa McCarthy channels telenovela drama for cosmetics brand e.l.f. — a nod to Bad Bunny's request that fans learn Spanish before his halftime performance.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Each has a meltdown worthy of a telenovela, messes with the crime scene and hours later the police are called.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

Through the window, I could see she had fallen asleep on her recliner while watching her favorite telenovela, El comandante y la duquesa.

From "The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora" by Pablo Cartaya