musicology

noun

mu·​si·​col·​o·​gy ˌmyü-zi-ˈkä-lə-jē 

: the study of music as a branch of knowledge or field of research as distinct from composition or performance

musicological

ˌmyü-zi-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

musicologist

ˌmyü-zi-ˈkä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of musicology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rosalía studied musicology in college, and over the last eight years has often meshed a wide variety of genres and influences in her songs. — Dan Rys, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025

That led him to study musicology at Cambridge University, then train under Hungarian composer and conductor Peter Eötvös. — Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

In 2025, Hannah Lewis, associate professor of musicology at UT’s Butler School of Music, happily agreed to play along. — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

Candace Hansen, a PhD candidate in musicology at UCLA, recalls being harassed and forced out of a women’s restroom at their hometown 24-Hour Fitness a few months ago. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian musicologia, from Latin musica music + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for musicology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology