soap opera

[ op-er-uh, op-ruh ]
/ ˈɒp ər ə, ˈɒp rə /

noun

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

Origin of soap opera

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

Example sentences from the Web for soap opera

British Dictionary definitions for soap opera

soap opera

noun

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

Word Origin for soap opera

C20: so called because manufacturers of soap were typical sponsors

Idioms and Phrases with soap opera

soap opera

1

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.

2

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]