musical chairs

noun

plural in form but singular in construction

: a game in which players march to music around a row of chairs numbering one less than the players and scramble for seats when the music stops

also : a situation or series of events suggesting the game of musical chairs (as in rapid change or confusing activity)

Examples of musical chairs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More neutrons at the beginning of musical chairs means more helium-4 by the end of it. — Cara Giovanetti, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

As fashion’s game of musical chairs slows down, Milan’s newest creative directors are loosening up the codes at some of Italy's most storied brands. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Verstappen’s re-signing effectively shuts down many rumors and brings an early end to a high-stakes game of musical chairs that’s been played within the F1 paddock for over a year now. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 20 Aug. 2026

That could leave Stephenson as the best-case scenario for a team in need, especially as some of the other available catchers are moved, creating a game of musical chairs. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for musical chairs

• concessionaires
• affaires
• affairs
• armchairs
• compares
• crosshairs
• declares
• despairs
• downstairs
• forbears
• forebears
• housewares