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

With the never-ending game of creative director musical chairs going down across the fashion industry, red carpet dressing is in flux, too. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 May 2025

The twist of this sequel to a remake is that Lohan’s character is now all grown up with a daughter and stepdaughter of her own; all four women end up zapped into a different body, doubling the game of metaphysical musical chairs. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 20 May 2025

Secondary playing musical chairs early on While injuries to cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Shavon Revel Jr. have the health of the secondary skating on thin ice, the defensive staff led by defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus threw an array of options at the nickel cornerback spot on Tuesday. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2025

This extra, low-effort step makes guests feel especially welcome, as well as nips any potential musical chairs awkwardness in the bud. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for musical chairs

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