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

Ocasek’s knowledge of music was remarkably vast, from rockabilly to techno-pop. — BostonGlobe.com, "Ric Ocasek was a tall, gangly genius who became a master of nonchalance, a savant of alienation, and a beatnik-spiced songwriter the likes of which rock ’n’ roll had rarely seen.," 17 Sep. 2019 For the conclusion of the program, unique arrangements of music from South America, Asia and Eastern Europe will be masterfully performed on guitar (Judy Handler), mandolin (Mark Levesque) and flute (Leo Snow). — courant.com, "Community News For The West Hartford Edition," 16 Sep. 2019 The entire performance was a curated journey through his three decades of music, introducing fans to his newer work, while also playing all the favorites and chart-toppers. — Jamaal Ellis, Houston Chronicle, "Lenny Kravitz shows Smart Financial Centre that It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," 16 Sep. 2019 What’s happening in the world of classical music this season Fall in San Diego abounds with classical concerts. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Fall arts 2019 | Classical music: Rafael Payare, Danish String Quartet, ‘Aida’ and more," 15 Sep. 2019 Presented by Anne Barry, Lake Forest College professor of music; register online. — chicagotribune.com, "Calendar: Get a glimpse into the world of storm chasing Thursday in Antioch," 15 Sep. 2019 There will be food vendors, refreshing craft beers and an entire day of live music. — Sarah Kuta, The Know, "The ultimate guide to Oktoberfest in Colorado, 2019 edition," 13 Sep. 2019 As a special treat for Courier Journal readers, Carmichael curated a playlist of music from some of his favorite performers appearing at Hometown Rising. — Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "Check out this Hometown Rising playlist made by a festival musician," 6 Sep. 2019 DeWalt’s lawyers also alleged that the city and state intentionally targeted Fontaine Bleau based on its choice of hip-hop music in violation of First Amendment free expression rights. — oregonlive, "Judge throws out Fontaine Bleau’s discrimination suit against city of Portland, state liquor control commission," 6 Sep. 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.