1. A scroll, especially the Book of Esther read during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Usage: From Hebrew; often capitalized when referring to the biblical text; Jewish religious context
2. A long, detailed, or tedious story or account; a lengthy narrative.
Usage: informal; extended from the religious sense; used colloquially in English

Examples

• During Purim, the megilla is read aloud in the synagogue.
• He launched into the whole megilla about why he was late to work.
• I don't have time for the megilla right now—just give me the short version.
• The megilla of Esther tells the story of the Jewish people's deliverance.
• She went through the entire megilla explaining her family history.