telenovela

[ tel-uh-noh-vel-uh ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of telenovela¹

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

Example Sentences

The Colombian telenovela has been remade in more than 20 languages and spawned a spinoff and even a children’s animated series.

From Los Angeles Times

With hints of telenovela, that accent that identifies us and the references to the freeways — it’s like watching yourself on an “SNL” skit.

From Los Angeles Times

Her early life story has more of the makings of a telenovela than the Sunday funnies.

From Los Angeles Times

Arriving Friday on Prime Video, “Betty, la Fea: La Historia Continúa” — quite literally “the story continues” — aims to recapture the essence of what made this Colombian telenovela a record-breaking global success and yet boldly embrace a changed world that will force its iconic protagonist to reckon with the happy ending written for her all those years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

On paper, Beatriz “Betty” Pinzón Solano, played by Ana María Orozco, was the kind of character telenovela audiences rarely saw at the center of such sweeping lovestruck narratives.

From Los Angeles Times