1
a
literature
: a composition (see composition sense 5a) in verse or prose intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving conflicts and emotions through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance : play compare closet drama
b
: a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play
broadly
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
a police drama
2
literature
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
English drama
3
a
: a state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or intense conflict of forces
the drama of the past week
dealing with some family drama
b
: dramatic state, effect, or quality
the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Synonyms
Examples of drama in a Sentence
He is reading an ancient Greek drama.
I prefer drama to comedy.
His interest in drama began at a very young age.
She studied drama in college.
the dramas of teenage life
She watched the drama unfold as they began screaming at each other.
a competition full of drama
the drama of the courtroom proceedings
Recent Examples on the Web
The book’s focus on the researchers themselves overcomes a challenge inherent to science writing: where to find drama.
—
The New Yorker, 12 June 2024
According to Deadline's June 7 report, McClain, who stars as 911 operator Grace Ryder in the Fox drama, has exited the series.
—Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024
Skydance’s merger talks with Paramount were called off Tuesday after Paramount’s controlling shareholder scuttled the deal, ending a drama that has captivated Hollywood for months.
—Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 11 June 2024
This Emmy season, dramas — both limited and ongoing — pushed those awkward scenarios to darker purposes by parachuting English-speaking characters into foreign countries.
—Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for drama 
The New Yorker, 12 June 2024
According to Deadline's June 7 report, McClain, who stars as 911 operator Grace Ryder in the Fox drama, has exited the series.
—Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024
Skydance’s merger talks with Paramount were called off Tuesday after Paramount’s controlling shareholder scuttled the deal, ending a drama that has captivated Hollywood for months.
—Lauren Hirsch, New York Times, 11 June 2024
This Emmy season, dramas — both limited and ongoing — pushed those awkward scenarios to darker purposes by parachuting English-speaking characters into foreign countries.
—Hugh Hart, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for drama
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'drama.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Dictionary Entries Near drama
Cite this Entry
“Drama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drama. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
a
: a written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage : play
b
: a play, movie, or television production with a serious tone or subject
2
: dramatic art, literature, or affairs
3
a
: an exciting event or series of events
the drama of the basketball playoffs
b
: dramatic effect or quality
used colored lighting for drama
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