soap opera

noun

1
a
: a serial drama performed originally on a daytime radio or television program and chiefly characterized by tangled interpersonal situations and melodramatic or sentimental treatment
b
: a series of real-life events resembling a soap opera
2
: the melodrama and sentimentality characteristic of a soap opera
even cops need a little soap opera in their livesJoseph Wambaugh
also : something (such as a novel) having such qualities
soap-operatic adjective

Examples of soap opera in a Sentence

She loves to watch daytime soap operas. the movie started out well, but quickly devolved into improbable soap opera
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2021, Breeds, who was starring in Clarice at the time, spoke with PEOPLE about meeting her husband Mitchell on the set of the long-running Aussie soap opera Home and Away. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 The popular Peacock soap opera, which was just renewed for Season 61 at the beginning of the month, will feature upcoming tribute episodes for Hayes, who died in January at 98, this week. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 The newest outing will mark the iconic soap opera’s third season of streaming exclusively on Peacock. Selome Hailu, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 His first big job was on the soap opera As the World Turns. Seija Rankin, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for soap opera 

Word History

Etymology

from its sponsorship by soap manufacturers

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of soap opera was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near soap opera

Cite this Entry

“Soap opera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soap%20opera. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

soap opera

noun
: a radio or television drama presented in a series of continuing stories and characters and intended to appeal to the emotions
Etymology

so called because the advertisers on these programs were usually soap manufacturers

More from Merriam-Webster on soap opera

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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