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

Listen to snippets from his new albums and read more about his musical influences, from New Orleans Jazz to video games. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026

His death robbed the Womack Sisters of a grandfather, but his musical legacy continues to influence them today. — Morena Duwe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, the musical theater creative partnership also known as Noisemaker, have already developed new musicals for Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam in every way that was possible. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

Beyond its architectural splendor, Gran Vía offers world-class shopping, from international flagship stores to local boutiques, while its historic theaters host Broadway musicals and classic plays. — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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