musicology

noun

mu·​si·​col·​o·​gy ˌmyü-zi-ˈkä-lə-jē 

: the study of music as a branch of knowledge or field of research as distinct from composition or performance

musicological

ˌmyü-zi-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

musicologist

ˌmyü-zi-ˈkä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of musicology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That led him to study musicology at Cambridge University, then train under Hungarian composer and conductor Peter Eötvös. — Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

Candace Hansen, a PhD candidate in musicology at UCLA, recalls being harassed and forced out of a women’s restroom at their hometown 24-Hour Fitness a few months ago. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

In 2025, Hannah Lewis, associate professor of musicology at UT’s Butler School of Music, happily agreed to play along. — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

After moving to Los Angeles with fellow musicologist and then-girlfriend Dorothy Moskowitz, Byrd enrolled in UCLA’s musicology program, formed the New Music Workshop, and ultimately, with Moskowitz, founded the group the United States of America. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 13 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian musicologia, from Latin musica music + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for musicology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology