music

mu·sic

noun, often attributive \ˈmyü-zik\

Definition of MUSIC

1

a : the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity

b : vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony

2

a : an agreeable sound : euphony <her voice was music to my ears>

b : musical quality <the music of verse>

3

: a musical accompaniment <a play set to music>

4

: the score of a musical composition set down on paper

5

: a distinctive type or category of music <there is a music for everybody — Eric Salzman>

Examples of MUSIC

1. This is one of my favorite pieces of music.
2. performing music in front of an audience
3. dancing to the music of a big band
4. They are writing music for a new album.
5. a song with music by George Gershwin and words by Ira Gershwin
6. He is learning to read music.
7. She studied music in college.

Origin of MUSIC

Middle English musik, from Anglo-French musike, from Latin musica, from Greek mousikē any art presided over by the Muses, especially music, from feminine of mousikos of the Muses, from Mousa Muse

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

music

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Art concerned with combining vocal or instrumental sounds for beauty of form or emotional expression, usually according to cultural standards of rhythm, melody, and, in most Western music, harmony. Music most often implies sounds with distinct pitches that are arranged into melodies and organized into patterns of rhythm and metre. The melody will usually be in a certain key or mode, and in Western music it will often suggest harmony that may be made explicit as accompanying chords or counterpoint. Music is an art that, in one guise or another, permeates every human society. It is used for such varied social purposes as ritual, worship, coordination of movement, communication, and entertainment.