music box

noun

: a container enclosing an apparatus that reproduces music mechanically when activated by a clockwork

Examples of music box 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.
The actress went all out in a pale pink Robert Wun fall 2026 Haute Couture gown and matching spinning ballerina music box headpiece. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026 The music box set is a great gift idea for Bluey fans and vinyl collectors alike, and comes on the heels of a host of Bluey holiday releases, including an official advent calendar. — Tim Chan, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 Served inside a lacquer music box with a choice of TWG tea or Maison Marou hot chocolate, it's beautifully presented. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 With Brown, Amos makes twinkly, off-kilter experimental songs that sometimes sound as though they’re being piped out of a cursed music box. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for music box

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of music box was in 1827

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Music box.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/music%20box. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

music box

noun
: a box containing a mechanical device that uses gears like those of a clock to play a tune

More from Merriam-Webster on music box

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster