soap opera

[op-er-uh, op-ruh]

noun

1. a radio or television series depicting the interconnected lives of many characters often in a sentimental, melodramatic way.

soap opera

noun

1. a serialized drama, usually dealing with domestic themes and characterized by sentimentality, broadcast on radio or television

Word History and Origins

Origin of soap opera¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40; so called because soap manufacturers were among the original sponsors of such programs

Word History and Origins

Origin of soap opera¹

C20: so called because manufacturers of soap were typical sponsors

Idioms and Phrases

A radio or television serial with stock characters in domestic dramas that are noted for being sentimental and melodramatic. For example, She just watches soap operas all day long . This term originated in the mid-1930s and was so called because the sponsors of the earliest such radio shows were often soap manufacturers.

Real-life situation resembling one that might occur in a soap opera, as in She just goes on and on about her various medical and family problems, one long soap opera . [1940s]

Example Sentences

Actor Paul Usher is to reprise his role as one of soap opera's great villains, Barry Grant, as part of Brookside's one-off return to television.

From BBC

I saw others with treasure maps, and only caught murmurs of the romantic soap operas unfolding among the crew.

From Los Angeles Times

In truth, the Cowboys have been a sporting soap opera ever since Jones bought the team in 1989 - just the way he likes it.

From BBC

Rogers’ signature commanding voice and poised bravado made Scorpio a fan favorite on the long-running soap opera, and became his most recognizable role.

From Los Angeles Times

Her clandestine involvement with her father’s close friend and literary agent, whose wife is dying of cancer, implodes, leaving her a bitter “other woman” living her own soap opera.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• melodrama 
• serial 
• soap