musical comedy

American  

[myoo-zi-kuhl kom-i-dee] / ˈmyu zɪ kəl ˈkɒm ɪ di /

noun

1. a musical that is light or humorous with a happy or cheerful ending.

2. (formerly, especially in reference to works from the first half of the 20th century) musical.

3. Also called comedy music.  a genre of entertainment that prominently features songs in a comedy routine, such as stand-up comedy, or that is a type of show or album similar to a comedy routine, presented entirely in song.

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musical comedy British  

noun

1. a play or film, usually having a light romantic story, that consists of dialogue interspersed with singing and dancing

2. such plays and films collectively

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musical comedy Cultural  

1. A play or film that highlights song and dance. Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, A Chorus Line, and The Producers are well-known musical comedies.

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Etymology

Origin of musical comedy

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

Mr. Lane’s performance as Miller’s life-baffled Willy Loman indelibly proved that his range as an actor extends well beyond musical comedy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The musical comedy follows an engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

The "mind bogglingly strange" 1973 film attempts to combine "light musical comedy with the world of local government contract procurement processes", says city author Catherine O'Flynn.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

Who could resist a musical comedy road trip celebrating girl power?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

In 1921, Eubie Blake’s Shuffle Along became the first musical comedy written by African-Americans and starring African- Americans to run successfully on Broadway.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall