WordGarden.iomelody
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɛlədi/
US
- /ˈmɛlədi/
Meanings
Noun
a sequence of musical notes that forms a tune
a pleasing musical flow of sounds in speech or a voice
Beyond the definition
A melody is the main tune in a song or piece of music: the part you hum, sing, or whistle. It is a series of notes arranged in a way that sounds clear and recognizable. You can hear it in a pop song, a piano piece, or a violin solo. When people say a song has a catchy melody, they mean the tune stays in your mind easily.
This word is mostly used for music, both with words and without them. A simple children's song may have a very easy melody, while a longer classical work may have one that changes and grows. A melody can sound happy, sad, calm, or full of energy, and it often carries the feeling of the music.
A melody is a tune made of notes played one after another in a clear order. It is often the part of the music people notice first and remember best. In many songs, it is the line the singer follows. In instrumental music, it may be carried by a piano, violin, flute, or another instrument. When you hum the part of a song you remember, you are usually humming the melody.
A melody is not only about which notes are used, but also about how they move. It can go up or down, repeat, pause, or change direction. It also works with rhythm, so the same notes can feel different if they are played in a different pattern. Some melodies are simple and easy to sing, while others are rich, wide, and more complex. A folk song may use a plain, gentle melody, while a jazz or film piece may use one with more movement and surprise.
The word is mainly used in music, but it can also describe something that sounds musical or pleasing to the ear. For example, people may talk about a bird's melody or say that someone speaks in a soft, melodic voice. Even in these wider uses, the idea stays close to music: a flowing line of sound that is pleasant and easy to follow.
Examples
- 1
Everyday humming
She hummed a melody while she washed the dishes.
- 2
Song memory
I know the melody, but I always forget the words.
- 3
Catchy chorus
The chorus has a simple, catchy melody.
- 4
Film music
He wrote a new melody for the opening scene.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Poem setting
They put a soft melody to the old poem.
- Patternput a melody to + words/text
create music for those words
- 6
Instrument practice
I can play the chords, but I still need to learn the melody.
- 7
Voice quality
Her voice had a gentle melody that made the story easy to listen to.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- melodynoun
Forms
- melodiespluralnoun