Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sequence of single notes arranged in a musically expressive or pleasing way: A melody is a linear succession of musical tones that the listener perceives as a single, coherent entity. It is often the most recognizable and memorable part of a piece of music.
   • The perception of a pleasant arrangement of musical notes: This refers to the aesthetic quality of a tune, focusing on its agreeable and harmonious sound.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The composer wrote a beautiful melody for the violin.
  • I can't get that catchy melody out of my head.
  • The song's melody is simple but very moving.

Advanced Usage

• "To carry/have a melody": To contain or be characterized by a tune.
  • The flute part carries the main melody in this section.
• "Melody and harmony": Often used together to describe the two primary components of music, where melody is the horizontal sequence of notes and harmony is the vertical combination of notes played simultaneously.
  • A good song requires both a strong melody and supportive harmony.

Variants and Related Words

• Melodic (adj): Pertaining to or having a melody; tuneful.
  • The piece is highly melodic and easy to remember.
• Melodious (adj): Pleasant-sounding; musical.
  • She has a very melodious singing voice.

Synonyms

• Tune: A melody, especially a simple and easily remembered one.
• Air: An old-fashioned or formal term for a melody or tune.
• Strain: A passage or section of a melody or tune.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To the tune of": Using the melody of (a particular song).
  • He sang his complaints to the tune of "Happy Birthday".
• "Change one's tune": To change one's attitude or opinion.
  • He criticized the plan at first, but he changed his tune when he saw its success. (Note: This idiom uses "tune" metaphorically, not referring directly to a musical melody).

Noun

1. the perception of pleasant arrangements of musical notes
2. a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
   • she was humming an air from Beethoven