musing

1 of 3

noun

mus·​ing ˈmyü-ziŋ 

: meditation

My musings and writings on this issue do not come from the groves of academe.

—Herbert S. White

musing

2 of 3

adjective

: thoughtfully abstracted : meditative

musingly

ˈmyü-ziŋ-lē 

adverb

musing

3 of 3

present participle of muse entry 1

Synonyms of musing

Adjective

• melancholy
• thoughtful
• reflective
• contemplative
• philosophical
• pensive

Examples of musing in a Sentence

Adjective

he was clearly in a musing mood, and did not feel like talking just then

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

No one needs to understand your musings or obsessions except you. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Petal picks up the thread of 2024’s eternal sunshine, not only in its brushstroke vocals, but in its thematic thread of toxic-relationship songs that act as a Trojan horse for musings on the ultimate toxic relationship of fame. — Aimee Cliff, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026

On the title track, a spare arrangement slowly unfurls around James’ voice, its shifting texture and gauzy atmosphere giving his existential musings the quality of a private incantation. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026

Wondering how to lighten your hair without bleach is a common musing among hair dye enthusiasts. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see muse entry 1

Adjective

see muse entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for musing

• bruising
• choosing
• cruising
• fusing
• losing
• oozing
• using
• abusing
• accusing
• amusing
• confusing
• defusing