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

Their sales remain robust, as other brands falter and scramble for answers, and Alessandro Sartori has led Zegna since 2016, which feels like an entire lifetime compared to the musical chairs at other brands. —Dave Schilling contributing follow, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

Unintended consequences of Prop 50 The election night twist was just the latest way in which the 6th District has exemplified the confusing political game of musical chairs unleashed by Prop 50’s passage. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

The study suggests that the struggles of many American men have created something like a game of musical chairs for women looking to get married. —Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 19 May 2026

But the game of musical chairs hardly ends there. —Anne Kadet, Curbed, 12 May 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