romantic comedy

noun

plural romantic comedies
: a light, comic movie or other work whose plot focuses on the development of a romantic relationship
This brings us to romantic comedies. … They make money, spawn franchises, and are popular in books, movies, and on television. Sexual tension is fun to watch, and we like rooting for a will-they-won't-they couple.—Elizabeth Logan
also : this style or genre of work
an actor with a talent for romantic comedy

called also rom-com

Examples of romantic comedy in a Sentence

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.
Also attached to direct the romantic comedy Katfished for Rebelle Media, her earlier feature directing credits include Disney+’s Secret Society of Second Born Royals and the indie dramedy Walter. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 Matthew McConaughey has this beloved romantic comedy to thank for most of his residuals. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026 Turner currently stars opposite Monica Barbaro in Will Gluck’s romantic comedy One Night Only, which hit theaters over the weekend from Universal. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Universal’s romantic comedy One Night Only, starring Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, is projected by Deadline to make $6 million from 3,012 North American venues. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for romantic comedy

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of romantic comedy was in 1818

Rhymes for romantic comedy

See All Rhymes for romantic comedy

Browse Nearby Words

romanticalness
romantic comedy
romantic encounter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Romantic comedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romantic%20comedy. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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