musical

1 of 2

adjective

mu·​si·​cal ˈmyü-zi-kəl 

1

a

: of or relating to music

b

: having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music : melodious

2

: having an interest in or talent for music

3

: set to or accompanied by music

4

: of or relating to musicians or music lovers

musically

ˈmyü-zi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

musical

2 of 2

noun

1

archaic : musicale

2

: a film or theatrical production typically of a sentimental or humorous nature that consists of musical numbers and dialogue based on a unifying plot

Synonyms

Adjective

• euphonious
• lyric
• lyrical
• mellifluent
• mellifluous
• mellow
• melodic
• melodious

Examples of musical in a Sentence

Adjective

She has a very musical voice.

the musical sounds of the babbling brook

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Someone wrote some musical and all the neighbors are talking about how great the story is. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 May 2024

The summer before starting his freshman year at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1990, Martin went to Mexico to watch a play produced by a friend, who told him to stay and replace one of the actors in the musical production. —Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Medieval Latin musicalis, from musica

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing musical

• jukebox musical
• musical box
• musical chairs
• musical comedy
• musical instrument
• musical saw

Kids Definition

musical

1 of 2 adjective

mu·​si·​cal ˈmyü-zi-kəl 

1

a

: of or relating to music or the writing or performance of music

musical instruments

b

: having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music

a musical voice

2

: fond of or gifted in music

a musical family

3

: set to or accompanied by music

musically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

musical

2 of 2 noun

: a film or play that tells a story and that includes both musical numbers and dialogue