drama

[drah-muh, dram-uh]

noun

1. a composition in prose or verse presenting in dialogue or pantomime a story involving conflict or contrast of character, especially one intended to be acted on the stage; a play.

2. the branch of literature having such compositions as its subject; dramatic art or representation.

3. the art dealing with the writing and production of plays.

4. any situation or series of events having vivid, emotional, conflicting, or striking interest or results.

   the drama of a murder trial.

5. the quality of being dramatic.

drama

/ ˈdrɑːmə /

noun

1. a work to be performed by actors on stage, radio, or television; play

2. the genre of literature represented by works intended for the stage

3. the art of the writing and production of plays

4. a situation or sequence of events that is highly emotional, tragic, or turbulent

Other Word Forms

• minidrama noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of drama¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from Late Latin, from Greek drâma “action (of a play),” from drá(ein), drâ(n) “to act, do” + -ma, noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of drama¹

C17: from Late Latin: a play, from Greek: something performed, from drān to do

Example Sentences

Describing a landscape with streaming services filled with genre mash-ups — comedy thrillers or comedy dramas — aside from stand-up specials, Reich sees a gap in the market for comedy that exists only as comedy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The duo form the backbone of the musical’s drama through the tension of Javert’s relentless quest to capture Valjean, who has broken parole and — as a reformed man — taken custody of the orphan Cosette.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After graduating from drama school in Sydney, she maintained steady work in theater, film and TV.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We had strikers going on strike, clubs gazumping their rivals and plenty more drama along the way.

Read more on BBC

In his memoir, “Sonny Boy,” Mr. Pacino credited her with reviving his career in the 1980s by drawing his attention to the script for a cop drama, “Sea of Love.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• comedy 
• farce 
• melodrama 
• play 
• production 
• scene 
• show 
• theater 
• tragedy