medley

A medley is a term used to describe a piece or arrangement that combines several distinct elements into one continuous presentation. In music, a medley typically strings together two or more melodies or songs, with transitional passages linking them. The concept emphasizes a seamless flow between disparate tunes rather than a single, standalone composition.

In musical practice, medleys can appear in live performances, studio productions, or broadcasts. They may be thematic, linking related songs by key, tempo, or mood, or they may present a rapid sequence of contrasting pieces. Medleys can be arranged to showcase a range of styles within a single performance, and some versions incorporate key changes, tempo shifts, or medley-specific linking passages to maintain coherence.

In sports, medley refers to events that combine multiple strokes or activities. The individual medley (IM) is a swimming race in which a single swimmer completes butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle in a fixed order over a set distance. Relay medleys involve teams of four swimmers, each swimmer performing a different stroke in a prescribed sequence (backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle). These formats test versatility and overall technique across multiple disciplines.

Other common uses describe a general mixture or assortment, such as a medley of vegetables or a medley of songs in a compilation. Across its meanings, the core idea is the fusion of diverse components into a single, cohesive whole.