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

What began as a friendship rooted in musical curiosity evolved into a project that combines original compositions with a genre-spanning repertoire. —Miguel Sirgado, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026

This year's musical lineup will be announced in July. —Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Noun

The children need musicals, too. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

Based on the Apple TV series, the fizzy throwback spoofs Golden Age musicals, and follows an on-the-rocks couple who are trapped in a town where people sing and dance incessantly. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 8 June 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