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

Another seat in fashion’s seemingly endless game of designer musical chairs has just opened up. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026

Beyond its integrated musical chairs, Wavecamper gives the Flex E-Line a classic floor plan with driver's side kitchen block. — New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

That latest round of NFL-booth musical chairs has already seeded some decidedly dodgy ideas in the minds of our keenest sports-media types. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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