01 n. A composition, in prose or poetry, accommodated to action, and intended to exhibit a picture of human life, or to depict a series of grave …
-
1.
A composition, in prose or poetry, accommodated to action, and intended to exhibit a picture of human life, or to depict a series of grave or humorous actions of more than ordinary interest, tending toward some striking result. It is commonly designed to be spoken and represented by actors on the stage.“A divine pastoral drama in the Song of Solomon.” — Milton.
-
2.
A series of real events invested with a dramatic unity and interest.“Westward the course of empire takes its way; The four first acts already past, A fifth shall close the drama with the day; Time's noblest offspring is the last.” — Berkeley.“The drama and contrivances of God's providence.” — Sharp.
-
3.
Dramatic composition and the literature pertaining to or illustrating it; dramatic literature.
Phrases & compounds
The romantic drama —
the kind of drama whose aim is to present a tale or history in scenes, and whose plays (like those of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and others) are stories told in dialogue by actors on the stage.