soundtrack

American  

[sound-trak] / ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the narrow band on one or both sides of a motion-picture film on which sound is recorded.

2. the sound recorded on a motion-picture film; audio portion of a film.

3. the music or dialogue from a film available on a commercial recording.

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soundtrack British  

/ ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the recorded sound accompaniment to a film Compare commentary

2. a narrow strip along the side of a spool of film, which carries the sound accompaniment

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verb

1. (tr) to provide a continuous accompaniment of sounds, esp music

Etymology

Origin of soundtrack

First recorded in 1925–30; sound ¹ + track

Explanation

The music that a movie is set to is its soundtrack. Some soundtracks are composed and recorded especially for a film, while others are made up of many songs by different musicians. TV shows and video games often have soundtracks too, although the concept started with films. During the silent film era, musicians would sometimes play live music to accompany a movie screening. The origin of the term soundtrack goes back to approximately the same time that the first "talkie," or film with sound (1929's "The Jazz Singer"), was screened for audiences. A recorded album featuring the music from a movie is also called a soundtrack.

Example Sentences

Popular entertainment from “Saltburn” to “Heated Rivalry” sends viewers flocking to retro soundtrack selections.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

The singer announced that her new song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” will be released Friday as part of the soundtrack for “Toy Story 5,” which hits theaters June 19.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

"Thank you for the music, the memories, and the moments that became the soundtrack to our lives," it said.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

From June 6 to 28, visitors will be able to explore inside the new work, with electro artist Thomas Bangalter -- one half of legendary French dance act Daft Punk -- providing the soundtrack.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

“It’s fine for the movie soundtrack, but I couldn’t dance to it.”

From "Forged by Fire" by Sharon M. Draper