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

Or, indeed, how many musical notes? —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026

Throughout the show, fans will get to experience musical arrangements of the iconic songs from the show, which will be played by a five-piece band on the drums, guitar, trumpet, saxophone and trombone, park officials said. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026

Noun

Unlike many musicals, though, the pit for Hell's Kitchen isn't located in front of the stage. —Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

In addition to the chorus program, the concert will include a Community Talent Spotlight featuring local performers presenting songs from Broadway musicals. —Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 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