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 1990, Lynch's romance road film Wild at Heart earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and his TV series Twin Peaks captured the zeitgeist by blending soap opera, mystery, and horror elements. Ew Staff, EW.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Among the big names were Knots Landing stars Donna Mills, Joan Van Ark and Kathleen Noone, who greeted fans together and shared the news that a rewatch podcast on the beloved primetime soap opera is in the works from Mills, Van Ark and costar Michelle Lee. Kate Hogan, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025 San Martin appeared as Dario Hernandez on Days of Our Lives from 2010-2011, where he was featured in 59 episodes of the popular soap opera. Mckinley Franklin, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025 Francisco San Martin, a soap opera actor known for originating the role of Dario Hernandez in Days of Our Lives, died Jan. 16 at his home. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2025 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 31 Jan. 2025.

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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