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

That pretty well covers the waterfront of musical eclecticism. — Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The musical is improvised based on your suggestions, creating hilarious lyrics, melodies and pure entertainment. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Noun

As evidenced by Lloyd Webber’s statement, that something else would be the indisputably high cost of staging untested Broadway musicals in 2026. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Last season, six original musicals debuted on Broadway, a steep drop from the 14 or 15 that opened in the previous two seasons. — Brent Lang, Variety, 14 July 2026

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