mood music
Americannoun
noun
-
recorded music played in the background in a place to establish a mood of relaxation, calm, etc
-
a prevailing atmosphere or feeling
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.
So far, the operation to deploy royal stardust to improve the mood music between the nations appears to be working.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 28, 2026
“The lighting and mood music makes it easier to focus on the internal experience than other classes I’ve taken,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 2026
“The mood music of markets is one of concern, but one that sees progress towards a resolution.”
From Barron's ● Apr. 20, 2026
The mood music for Labour is a bit discordant just now.
From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2025
Normally Fang would come over and my dad would throw on some mood music and my mom would whip up the eggnog and, while she was at it, a couple presents for my friend.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
