melody

mel-o-dy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A sequence of musical notes that form a recognizable tune; the principal part in harmonized music.

  2. 2.

    The quality of being pleasant to listen to; tunefulness.

  3. 3.

    A poem or literary work intended to be sung or having musical qualities.

Forms

plural: melodies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    carry the melody — to sing or play the main tune
  • •
    haunting melody — a tune that stays in one's mind

Related words

Antonyms: cacophony, discord, noise
See also: harmony, music, rhythm, tune
Synonyms: air, song, theme, tune

Etymology

From Greek melodia ("singing, chanting"), from melos ("song, tune, limb") + aeidein ("to sing"). The word entered English via Old French melodie in the 13th century.