musing

1 of 2

noun

mus·​ing ˈmyü-ziŋ 

: meditation

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

—Herbert S. White

musing

2 of 2

adjective

: thoughtfully abstracted : meditative

musingly

ˈmyü-ziŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

Adjective

• melancholy
• thoughtful
• reflective
• philosophic
• 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

The book’s prose is inspired by proverbs and sections from the Old Testament, as well as McConaughey’s own daydreams, nightmares and musings. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 26 June 2025

Among the greatest pleasures of listening to the reels were the everyday moments that punctuated the musings of the medium’s 20th century greats. —Eliza Berman, Time, 26 June 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to endorse Trump’s musings about Gaza, and Panama chose to placate the American president by accepting deportation flights of non-Panamanians and signing an agreement allowing the United States to deploy military personnel along the Panama Canal. —Oona A. Hathaway, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

Her greed and desires and fantasies are not far-off musings but tangible and within reach. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 June 2025

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