music

noun, often attributive

mu·sic | \ ˈmyü-zik

Definition of music

1a : 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 choral music piano music recorded music

2a : an agreeable sound : euphony her voice was music to my ears the music of a nightingale

b : musical quality the music of verse the music of lovingly orchestrated words — Saturday Review

3 : a musical accompaniment a play set to music

4 : the score (see score entry 1 sense 6a) of a musical composition set down on paper leafing through the music

5 : a distinctive type or category of music there is a music for everybody— Eric Salzman rock music jazz music classical music

Examples of music in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Detroit — onetime cradle of Motown music, the automobile and a thriving black middle class — seemed to solidify its reputation as an emblem of urban blight in 2013, when the city declared bankruptcy. — Washington Post, "Trump says cities are ‘a mess.’ They’re actually enjoying a golden age.," 4 Aug. 2019 The program includes music, finger play, art and storytelling. — Houston Chronicle, "tr sunday calendar 0804," 4 Aug. 2019 New Britain is inviting its residents to meet their police force for games, music, a free cookout and giveaways on Tuesday evening. — Don Stacom, courant.com, "’National Night Out’ means a community and police celebration in New Britain," 3 Aug. 2019 The tempestuousness with which Ax opened the second movement drew forth the brooding undertow of this music, with its turbulent rhythms and longing phrases. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "CSO review: Bronfman and Ax take on Brahms Piano Concertos," 3 Aug. 2019 There also were fire-rescue demonstrations, music, dancing and giveaway with camp staff and volunteers participating in the event. — Kari Barnett, sun-sentinel.com, "Tamarac treats campers to lunch party," 2 Aug. 2019 The big party is Saturday night, from 4 to 11 p.m. at Jess Martin Park in Julian, with wildlife encounters, music, art and, of course, stars. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "12 things to do this weekend: Impossible Science Festival, SummerFest, ‘Forging Territories’," 2 Aug. 2019 To compliment the music, the Jazz Beyond Stage will be accompanied by a curated lifestyle pop-up, featuring beer from Camino Brewing, food by Barya and Mack BBQ, and caffeinated beverages from Chromatic Coffee Company. — Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, "San Jose Jazz goes above and beyond for 30th Summer Fest," 2 Aug. 2019 The two-week trial had two phases: One about music, one about money. — Andrew Dalton, Fortune, "Katy Perry, Record Label," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'music.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for music

music

noun

English Language Learners Definition of music

: sounds that are sung by voices or played on musical instruments

: written or printed symbols showing how music should be played or sung

: the art or skill of creating or performing music

See the full definition for music in the English Language Learners Dictionary

music

noun

mu·sic | \ ˈmyü-zik

Kids Definition of music

1 : an arrangement of sounds having melody, rhythm and usually harmony classical music

2 : the art of producing pleasing or expressive combinations of tones especially with melody, rhythm, and usually harmony I want to study music in college.

3 : a musical composition set down on paper Bring your music.

4 : a pleasing sound Your voice is music to my ears.