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 of musical

Adjective

• melodic
• lyrical
• lyric

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

And once the show began at Rio's Museum of Tomorrow, there were musical performances by stars including Anitta, Gilberto Gil, Kylie Minogue, Seu Jorge and Shawn Mendes. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

Directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet (Once Upon a Mattress, Into the Woods), the musical weaves fictional narratives with real historical figures and events. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025

Noun

In addition to his musical ventures, Nick also worked on a number of Broadway musicals. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

This is not a world that Broadway musicals would typically delve into. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for musical

• unmusical

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