1.NounA kind of drama having a musical accompaniment to intensify the effect of certain scenes.
2.NounA drama abounding in romantic sentiment and agonizing situations, with a musical accompaniment only in parts which are especially thrilling or pathetic.
3.NounA passage in which the orchestra plays a somewhat descriptive accompaniment, while the actor speaks.
"The grave-digging scene in Beethoven's “Fidelio” has much melodrama."
4.NounAny situation or action which is blown out of proportion.