Melody
UK /["/ˈmelədi/"]/US /["/ˈmelədi/"]/
Definition
a tune, especially the main tune in a piece of music written for several instruments or voices
In simple words: A tune that is easy to remember and sing.
Examples
- a haunting melody
- The melody is then taken up by the flutes.
- Most of her songs have a bold melody.
- The clarinet carries the melody.
- old Irish melodies
- a few bars of melody drifted towards us
Usage notes
Used in contexts related to music. Suitable for discussing songs or instrumental pieces. Avoid in very technical musical discussions.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'melody' as 'me-lodi,' where lodi is a fun song you love.
Collocations
- beautiful
- flowing
- gentle
- hum
- play
- sing
- beautiful
- flowing
- gentle
- hum
- play
- sing
- beautiful
- flowing
- gentle
- hum
- play
- sing
Synonyms
- tune
- air
- theme
- lilt
- hymn
Antonyms
- discord
- cacophony
- noise
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'harmony' which refers to the combination of sounds.
- Using 'melody' to refer to a song's lyrics instead of the tune.