mu·si·cal
ˈmyü-zi-kəl 
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
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
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
Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024
Based on the story of Genesis, the age-old conflict of parents and children takes the stage in this epic, heartfelt Stephen Schwartz musical.
—Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024
But what made that performance especially moving was the tragic juxtaposition of Saliers' words, desperately yearning for an unrequited love that will haunt and torment her, against the happily-ever-after suggested by such musical splendor.
—Journal Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2024
Others watched and cheered the steady parade of costumed dancers, musical performers and motivational speakers on the park’s two stages.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
From a humble country music beginning to multiple musical genre switches, some acting stints, and the most recent display of her entire musical catalog on the wildly successful, history-making Eras Tour, Swift, 34, is no stranger to experimentation.
—Tabitha Parent, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024
But to be great, a musical (like a great movement) must grab you by the throat.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
In the Nineties, the Allmans experienced a musical and career rebirth, and Betts became its driving force especially after Gregg relapsed in the middle of the decade.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024
The film’s snaky on-and-off power begins with the British actor Marisa Abela, whose lead performance nails Amy Winehouse in every look, mood, utterance, and musical expression.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024
Participants write, produce, direct, rehearse and perform a short musical to raise money for the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund.
—Adam England, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Now, The Outsiders has been crafted into a glittering musical that might not hit as hard as its predecessors, but still has the power to inspire an entire generation of young theatergoers just the same.
—EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024
Two-actor musicals are still relatively rare, and only a fraction of those are penned for both roles to be played by women.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
The Universal musical comes at a time when movie musical are seeing more of an upswing after years of disappointing returns.
—Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024
From putting on a musical to taking the day off, here are what some schools are planning for April 8.
—USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024
During last year’s 40th anniversary of the pop classic, Tyler told the Guardian that songwriter Jim Steinman originally began work on it for a possible musical about Nosferatu.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 31 Mar. 2024
Entertainment & Arts Commentary: What a difference a revival makes: Two famously tricky Sondheim musicals shine in new outings
Jan. 5, 2023
Romantic love may remain our most popular narrative, but adult friendship has become a very close second.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has revealed the names of 16 artists or other musical figures who will be inducted in 2024.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024
Based on the story of Genesis, the age-old conflict of parents and children takes the stage in this epic, heartfelt Stephen Schwartz musical.
—Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024
But what made that performance especially moving was the tragic juxtaposition of Saliers' words, desperately yearning for an unrequited love that will haunt and torment her, against the happily-ever-after suggested by such musical splendor.
—Journal Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2024
Others watched and cheered the steady parade of costumed dancers, musical performers and motivational speakers on the park’s two stages.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
From a humble country music beginning to multiple musical genre switches, some acting stints, and the most recent display of her entire musical catalog on the wildly successful, history-making Eras Tour, Swift, 34, is no stranger to experimentation.
—Tabitha Parent, Peoplemag, 20 Apr. 2024
But to be great, a musical (like a great movement) must grab you by the throat.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024
In the Nineties, the Allmans experienced a musical and career rebirth, and Betts became its driving force especially after Gregg relapsed in the middle of the decade.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2024
The film’s snaky on-and-off power begins with the British actor Marisa Abela, whose lead performance nails Amy Winehouse in every look, mood, utterance, and musical expression.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
Noun
The company’s 2024-25 season lineup includes two world premiere musicals, both favorites from the company’s 2023 New Works Festival.
—Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024
Participants write, produce, direct, rehearse and perform a short musical to raise money for the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund.
—Adam England, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Now, The Outsiders has been crafted into a glittering musical that might not hit as hard as its predecessors, but still has the power to inspire an entire generation of young theatergoers just the same.
—EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024
Two-actor musicals are still relatively rare, and only a fraction of those are penned for both roles to be played by women.
—Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
The Universal musical comes at a time when movie musical are seeing more of an upswing after years of disappointing returns.
—Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2024
From putting on a musical to taking the day off, here are what some schools are planning for April 8.
—USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024
During last year’s 40th anniversary of the pop classic, Tyler told the Guardian that songwriter Jim Steinman originally began work on it for a possible musical about Nosferatu.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 31 Mar. 2024
Entertainment & Arts Commentary: What a difference a revival makes: Two famously tricky Sondheim musicals shine in new outings
Jan. 5, 2023
Romantic love may remain our most popular narrative, but adult friendship has become a very close second.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'musical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near musical
Cite this Entry
“Musical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musical. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
musical
2 of 2 noun
: a film or play that tells a story and that includes both musical numbers and dialogue
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