musing

1 of 2

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 2

adjective

: thoughtfully abstracted : meditative

musingly

ˈmyü-ziŋ-lē 

adverb

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

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

Trying to get through Master Farseeker’s musings in a section called Poetics of a Jedi was about as straightforward as bartering with a Teedo junk trader. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 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