mood music

American

noun

music comprised chiefly of popular songs in lush orchestral arrangements, intended to provide a relaxing, soothing atmosphere.

mood music British

noun

recorded music played in the background in a place to establish a mood of relaxation, calm, etc
a prevailing atmosphere or feeling

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mood music

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Looking ahead, Bitcoin’s mood music may be heard in equity markets tomorrow, when markets open.

From Barron's

But, ahead of his latest court case, the mood music feels different: he's now building bridges rather than blowing them up.

From BBC

The mood music has changed a bit around Rangers since then thanks to the stability and pragmatism Rohl has brought to the club, at least in the league, where he remains unbeaten.

From BBC

"At a national election, it's about the national mood music."

From BBC

The mood music for Labour is a bit discordant just now.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023