melodymel‧o‧dy /ˈmelədi/ ●○○ noun (plural melodies) 
They played some lovely melodies. a haunting melody► see thesaurus at music2[uncountable] the arrangement of musical notes in a way that is pleasantCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa sweet/pretty/lovely melody (=pleasant)· The pianist played a sweet melody.a good/strong melody· It’s hard to find rules about what makes a good melody.a simple melody· I like songs with a simple melody.a catchy melody (=one that is easy to remember)· With their catchy melodies, the songs are likely to be hits.a haunting melody (=used about a beautiful melody, especially one that is rather sad and which you remember for a long time)· He began to play a soulful, haunting melody.a plaintive melody (=sad)· The song's plaintive melody expresses perfectly the feeling of loneliness that she feels after her lover has gone.a lilting melody (=rising and falling in a pleasant way)· Lennon’s voice enters with a gently lilting melody.a pop melody (=one that is typical of a pop song)· The album’s perfect pop melodies make it probably the best record this year.verbshave a melody· All his songs have good melodies.play a melody· At this point, the flute begins to play the melody.sing a melody· She sang the melodies as though she loved them.carry the melody (=play or sing the melody, while other voices or instruments play other notes)· The soprano voice carries the melody.melody + NOUNthe melody line (=the melody, compared to the other parts of the music)· The melody line is often set too high for people singing in church.
WORD ORIGINmelody
Origin:
1100-1200 Old French melodie, from Late Latin, from Greek meloidia ‘music’, from melos ‘arm or leg, musical phrase, song’ + aeidein ‘to sing’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Deutschlandlied" is based on the melody from a work by Haydn.
- Melody is not the central element in Martino's compositions - rhythm is more important.
- The song has a simple melody and beautiful lyrics.
- A lot of pretty melodies with some frayed edges.
- As the melody soared and spiralled, Ari and Nathan spun within it, reaching for the highest notes.
- But spiking the sugar with vinegar, and layering distortion over melody, is the Alternative Formula nowadays.
- He first states the melody, then improvises, with ingenuity.
- He was sitting on a tall stool by the window, picking out fragments of old melodies on a twelve string Yamaha.
- Over the blare of a popular movie melody, a marketer invites shoppers to the vehicle.
- The melody was free of clutter, without filigree, stripped to its barest line.
- To be part of that melody of infinite chimes of light!
THESAURUS
the sounds made by musical instruments or people singing: · The music was really loud.
the main series of musical notes in a piece of music: · a folk song with a pretty tune
the main series of notes in a piece of music that has many notes being played at the same time, especially in classical music: · The soprano sang the melody.
the chords or notes in a piece of music that support the melody: · the rich harmonies in the symphony
(also piece of music) an arrangement of musical notes – use this about music without words: · It’s a difficult piece to play.
formal a piece of music that someone has written: · This is one of his own compositions.
a piece of music, especially classical music: · one of Mozart’s best-known works
one of the songs or pieces of music on a CD: · the album’s title track
a piece of popular music that forms part of a concert or show: · the show’s first number
a short piece of music with words that you sing: · We sang songs around the campfire.· The song was written by John Lennon.
one of the songs on a CD or record: · Track three is my favourite one.
a song that forms part of a performance of several songs: · The show was brilliant, from the opening number to the end.
the notes in a song, without the words: · I recognize the tune, but I can’t remember what it’s called.
the main series of notes in a piece of music that has several parts which are played together: · The song has a simple melody and beautiful lyrics.
a set of sentences that make up one part of a song: · She sang the first verse of ‘Amazing Grace’.
a set of sentences in a song that is repeated after each verse: · Most of the kids were able to join in the chorus.
Longman Language Activatormusic the sounds made by people singing or playing musical instruments, or the art and skill of writing, playing, or singing these sounds: · What kinds of music do you like?· The music was so loud you couldn't carry on a conversation.· Would you like to listen to some music?· The Royal College of Music· Did you study music at school?live music (=music that is not recorded): · The club has live music every Saturday night.rock/pop/country/classical etc music: · I've never been a big fan of country music.
relating to music: · Do you play a musical instrument?· Her teachers told her she had no musical ability whatsoever.· O'Connor uses a wide variety of musical styles in his performances.
a single musical sound: · It is amazing how expressive she makes each note sound.· Some of the singers had a little trouble with the high notes.
the main series of notes in a piece of music - use this especially when you think it is nice to listen to: · The music box plays the tune "Send in the Clowns."· I've heard that tune before, but I don't know the words to the song.
the main series of notes in a piece of music that has many lines being played at the same time: · The song has a simple melody and beautiful lyrics.· Melody is not the central element in Martino's compositions - rhythm is more important.
the chords or lines of music that accompany (=support) the melody: · The harmonies in her symphonies are wonderfully rich.· All first year music students are required to take a class in harmony.
a pattern of beats in music, that comes from the arrangement of the notes, the time between them, and the emphasis each note is given: · You need to feel the rhythm of the music in order to dance properly.· The band's music is known for its fiery Latin rhythms.
the main rhythm that a piece of music has: · Jessica moved her hips to the beat of the music.· Their new song has a good beat that you can dance to.
WORD SETSa cappella, adjectiveaccelerando, adjectiveaccompaniment, nounaccompanist, nounaccompany, verbaccordion, nounacid house, nounacoustic, adjectiveadagio, nounallegro, nounandante, adjectiveandante, nounanthem, nounaria, nounarpeggio, nounarr., arrange, verbarrangement, nounatonal, adjectiveback, verbbacking, nounbagpipes, nounbalalaika, nounballad, nounband, nounbandmaster, nounbandsman, nounbandstand, nounbanjo, nounbar, nounbarbershop, nounbaritone, nounbarrel organ, nounbass, nounbass, adjectivebass clef, nounbass guitar, nounbassist, nounbassoon, nounbaton, nounbeat, verbbeat, nounbebop, nounblast, verbblow, verbbluegrass, nounbolero, nounbongos, nounboogie, nounbootleg, nounbow, nounbow, verbbrass band, nounbreve, nounbridge, nounbugle, nounbusk, verbC, nouncabaret, nouncadence, nouncadenza, nouncalypso, nounC & W, canon, nouncantata, nouncanticle, nouncantor, nouncarillon, nouncarol, nouncarol, verbcastanets, nouncatchy, adjectivecellist, nouncello, nounchamber music, nounchamber orchestra, nounchant, verbchant, nounchoir, nounchoirboy, nounchoral, adjectivechorale, nounchord, nounchorister, nounchorus, nounChristmas carol, nounchromatic, adjectiveclapper, nounclarinet, nounclavichord, nounclef, nouncoda, nouncoloratura, nouncombo, nouncompose, verbcomposer, nounconcert, nounconcertgoer, nounconcertina, nounconcertmaster, nounconcerto, nounconduct, verbconductor, nounconsonant, adjectiveconsort, nouncontinuo, nouncontrabass, nouncontralto, nouncor anglais, nouncornet, nouncounterpoint, nouncountertenor, nouncountry and western, nouncountry music, nouncover, verbcover, nouncrescendo, nouncroon, verbcrotchet, nouncut, verbcymbal, nounD, noundamper, noundance, noundance band, noundemo, noundescant, noundidgeridoo, noundiminuendo, noundirge, noundisc jockey, noundiscord, noundiscordant, adjectivedissonance, nounditty, nounDixieland, noundo, noundoh, noundominant, noundouble bass, noundownbeat, noundrum, noundrum, verbdrumbeat, noundrum kit, noundrum major, noundrummer, noundrumming, noundrum-roll, noundrumstick, noundub, nounduet, noundulcimer, nounduo, nounear, nouneasy listening, nouneighth note, nounelevator music, nounencore, interjectionensemble, nounexpression, nounf., fa, nounfalsetto, nounfanfare, nounfantasia, nounfiddle, nounfiddler, nounfife, nounfinale, nounfingering, nounflat, adjectiveflat, nounflat, adverbflautist, nounfloor show, nounflourish, nounflute, nounfolk, nounfolk, adjectivefolk music, nounforte, nounforte, adjectivefortissimo, adjectiveforty-five, nounFrench horn, nounfret, nounfugue, nounfunk, nounfunky, adjectiveg, gamelan, noungig, noungig, verbglee club, nounglide, nounglockenspiel, noungong, noungospel, noungrand, noungrand opera, noungrand piano, nounGregorian chant, noungroup, nounguitar, nounhalf note, nounhalf step, nounhammer, nounhard rock, nounharmonic, adjectiveharmonica, nounharmonium, nounharmonize, verbharmony, nounharp, nounharpsichord, nounheavy metal, nounhigh, adjectivehigh-pitched, adjectivehip hop, nounhorn, nounhot, adjectivehouse music, nounhurdy-gurdy, nounhymn, nounimpressionism, nounimpressionist, nounimprovise, verbincidental music, nouninstrument, nouninstrumental, adjectiveinstrumental, nouninstrumentalist, nouninstrumentation, nouninterlude, nouninterval, nounjam, verbjam session, nounjazz, nounjazzy, adjectivejig, nounjingle, nounjungle, nounkaraoke, nounkazoo, nounkettledrum, nounkey, nounkeyboard, nounkey signature, nounla, nounlament, nounlargo, adjectiveleader, nounledger line, nounlegato, adjectiveleitmotif, nounlento, adjectivelibrettist, nounlibretto, nounlilt, nounlullaby, nounlute, nounlyre, nounlyric, adjectivelyrical, adjectivelyricism, nounlyricist, nounmadrigal, nounmaestro, nounmajor, adjectivemale-voice choir, nounmandolin, nounmaracas, nounmarch, nounmarching band, nounmariachi, nounmarimba, nounmasterclass, nounmedley, nounmellifluous, adjectivemelodic, adjectivemelodious, adjectivemelody, nounmetronome, nounmezzo-soprano, nounmi, nounmiddle C, nounminim, nounminor, adjectiveminstrel, nounminuet, nounmodal, adjectivemode, nounmoderato, adjectivemodulate, verbmolto, adverbmood music, nounmotif, nounmouth organ, nounmouthpiece, nounmovement, nounmusic, nounmusical, adjectivemusical, nounmusical instrument, nounmusically, adverbmusician, nounmusicianship, nounmusicology, nounmusic stand, nounmute, verbmute, nounMuzak, nounnational anthem, nounnatural, adjectivenatural, nounNegro spiritual, nounnocturne, nounnote, nounnumber, nounnumber one, nounnursery rhyme, nounoboe, nounoctave, nounoctet, nounoff-key, adjectiveone-man band, nounopera, nounopera house, nounoperetta, nounopus, nounoratorio, nounorchestra, nounorchestral, adjectiveorchestra pit, nounorchestrate, verborgan, nounorgan grinder, nounorganist, nounovertone, nounoverture, nounp., panpipes, nounpart, nounpart-song, nounpause, nounpeal, verbpedal, nounpeg, nounpenny whistle, nounpercussion, nounperfect pitch, nounPhilharmonic, adjectivephrase, nounphrase, verbphrasing, nounpianissimo, adjectivepianist, nounpiano, nounpiano, adjectivepianola, nounpiccolo, nounpick, verbpick, nounpipe, verbpiped music, nounpiper, nounpitch, nounpitch, verbpizzicato, nounplainchant, nounplainsong, nounplay, verbplayer, nounplayer piano, nounplectrum, nounpluck, verbpolyphony, nounpop, nounpop group, nounpop music, nounpop star, nounprelude, nounpresto, adjectivepresto, nounprima donna, nounproduction number, nounpromenade concert, nounpsaltery, nounpunk, nounquarter note, nounquartet, nounquaver, nounquintet, nounR & B, nounrag, nounraga, nounragga, nounragtime, nounrange, nounrap, nounrap, verbrapper, nounrecital, nounrecitative, nounrecord, nounrecorder, nounreed, nounrefrain, nounreggae, nounregister, nounremaster, verbrendering, nounrendition, nounrepeat, nounrequest, nounrequiem, nounresonator, nounrest, nounrhapsody, nounrhythm, nounrhythm and blues, nounrhythm section, nounriff, nounroadie, nounroad manager, nounrock, nounrock and roll, nounrock music, nounrock 'n' roll, nounrondo, nounrostrum, nounround, nounrumba, nounrun, nounsalsa, nounsamba, nounsaxophone, nounsaxophonist, nounscale, nounscat, nounscherzo, nounscore, nounscore, verbsemibreve, nounsemiquaver, nounsemitone, nounseptet, nounserenade, nounserenade, verbset, nounsetting, nounsextet, nounshanty, nounsharp, adverbsharp, nounsheet music, nounsight-read, verbsignature tune, nounsing, verbsinger, nounsinger-songwriter, nounsingle, nounsitar, nounsixteenth note, nounska, nounskiffle, nounslide, nounslur, verbslur, nounsnare drum, nounso, nounsol, nounsol-fa, nounsolo, adjectivesolo, nounsoloist, nounsonata, nounsong, nounsongbook, nounsongster, nounsongwriter, nounsoprano, nounsoprano, adjectivesoul, nounsoundtrack, nounspiritual, nounsqueezebox, nounstaccato, adverbstaff, nounstandard, nounStar-Spangled Banner, the, stave, nounsteel band, nounsteel guitar, nounstep, nounstring, verbstringed instrument, nounstrum, verbstudy, nounsuite, nounswell, nounswing, nounsymphony, nounsyncopated, adjectivesyncopation, nounsynthesis, nounsynthesize, verbsynthesizer, nountabla, nountabor, nountambourine, nountechno, nountempo, nountenor, nountenor, adjectiveTex-Mex, adjectivetheme, nounthrash, nounthrenody, nounthrob, verbti, nountimbrel, nountime, nountime signature, nountimpani, nountoccata, nountom-tom, nountonal, adjectivetonality, nountone, nountone-deaf, adjectivetone poem, nountonic, nountootle, verbtrack, nountranscribe, verbtranspose, verbtreble, nountreble, adjectivetreble clef, nountremolo, nountriangle, nountrill, nountrombone, nountrumpet, nountuba, nountune, nountune, verbtuneful, adjectivetuneless, adjectivetuning fork, nountuning peg, nounukulele, noununaccompanied, adjectiveupright piano, nounvalve, nounvariation, nounverse, nounvibes, nounvibraphone, nounvibrato, nounviola, nounviolin, nounviolinist, nounvirginals, nounvirtuoso, nounvivace, adjectivevocal, adjectivevocal, nounvocalist, nounvoice, nounvoluntary, nounwaltz, nounwarble, verbwarbler, nounwhole note, nounwind instrument, nounwoodwind, nounxylophone, nounyodel, verbyodel, nounzither, nounzydeco, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives his powerful, soulful voiceCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
1[countable] a song or tune: (=pleasant)· The pianist played a sweet melody.
· It’s hard to find rules about what makes a good melody.
· I like songs with a simple melody.
(=one that is easy to remember)· With their catchy melodies, the songs are likely to be hits.
(=used about a beautiful melody, especially one that is rather sad and which you remember for a long time)· He began to play a soulful, haunting melody.
(=sad)· The song's plaintive melody expresses perfectly the feeling of loneliness that she feels after her lover has gone.
(=rising and falling in a pleasant way)· Lennon’s voice enters with a gently lilting melody.
(=one that is typical of a pop song)· The album’s perfect pop melodies make it probably the best record this year.
verbs· All his songs have good melodies.
· At this point, the flute begins to play the melody.
· She sang the melodies as though she loved them.
(=play or sing the melody, while other voices or instruments play other notes)· The soprano voice carries the melody.
melody + NOUN (=the melody, compared to the other parts of the music)· The melody line is often set too high for people singing in church.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES his powerful, soulful voice· Yorick had discarded the strong rhythms, the simple melodies and the accessible lyrics which characterized the first phase of his career.· I loved the simple harmonic melodies, and wondered why I seldom hear anything as good on the radio.· Ortiz is capable of investing the simplest melody with qualities of grandeur.· I wrote all my own songs, and they are just simple melodies with a lot of lyrics.
VERB· The second violin plays the inverted melody in A, and the first violin the inverted accompaniment in E.· I play a lot of third-based melodies.· Normally a mouth organ or a piano accordion accompanies the music and plays the melody.
· In general, we have been writing about those melodies which are complete and have a well-defined entirety.· These two raccoon-eyed psychos have lost none of their no-holds-barred energy or their penchant for writing catchy melodies.· So I repeat: write a melody first, then harmonize it later.· Literally when I would be writing the melody, the ly-rics would come at the exact same time.· Others act like musical word processors, allowing the composer to write a melody and instantly hear what it sounds like.· The duties of Team Enya break down this way: The artist writes the melodies and sings.
They played some lovely melodies. a haunting melody► see thesaurus at music2[uncountable] the arrangement of musical notes in a way that is pleasantCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesa sweet/pretty/lovely melody (=pleasant)· The pianist played a sweet melody.a good/strong melody· It’s hard to find rules about what makes a good melody.a simple melody· I like songs with a simple melody.a catchy melody (=one that is easy to remember)· With their catchy melodies, the songs are likely to be hits.a haunting melody (=used about a beautiful melody, especially one that is rather sad and which you remember for a long time)· He began to play a soulful, haunting melody.a plaintive melody (=sad)· The song's plaintive melody expresses perfectly the feeling of loneliness that she feels after her lover has gone.a lilting melody (=rising and falling in a pleasant way)· Lennon’s voice enters with a gently lilting melody.a pop melody (=one that is typical of a pop song)· The album’s perfect pop melodies make it probably the best record this year.verbshave a melody· All his songs have good melodies.play a melody· At this point, the flute begins to play the melody.sing a melody· She sang the melodies as though she loved them.carry the melody (=play or sing the melody, while other voices or instruments play other notes)· The soprano voice carries the melody.melody + NOUNthe melody line (=the melody, compared to the other parts of the music)· The melody line is often set too high for people singing in church.