music

American  

[myoo-zik] / ˈmyu zɪk /

noun

1. an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color.

2. the tones or sounds employed, occurring in single line (melody) or multiple lines (harmony), and sounded or to be sounded by one or more voices or instruments, or both.

3. musical work or compositions for singing or playing.

4. the written or printed score of a musical composition.

5. such scores collectively.

6. any sweet, pleasing, or harmonious sounds or sound.

   the music of the waves.

7. appreciation of or responsiveness to musical sounds or harmonies.

   Music was in his very soul.

8. Fox Hunting. the cry of the hounds.

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idioms

1. face the music, to meet, take, or accept the consequences of one's mistakes, actions, etc..

   He's squandered his money and now he's got to face the music.

music British  

/ ˈmjuːzɪk /

noun

1. an art form consisting of sequences of sounds in time, esp tones of definite pitch organized melodically, harmonically, rhythmically and according to tone colour

2. such an art form characteristic of a particular people, culture, or tradition

   Indian music

   rock music

   baroque music

3. the sounds so produced, esp by singing or musical instruments

4. written or printed music, such as a score or set of parts

5. any sequence of sounds perceived as pleasing or harmonious

6. rare a group of musicians

   the Queen's music

7. informal to confront the consequences of one's actions

8. something that is very pleasant to hear

   his news is music to my ears

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music More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing music

• face the music

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Other Word Forms

• antimusic noun
• musicless adjective
• undermusic noun

Etymology

Origin of music

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English musike, from Latin mūsica, from Greek mousikḕ (téchnē) “(the art) of the Muse,” feminine of mousikós, from Moûs(a) Muse + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

She’s also found critical success in the music sphere, where she gained early prominence as a singer, dancer and choreographer.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, Mustafa hosted more than four hours of music from a range of artists that spanned pop, folk, rock, R&B and well beyond.

From Los Angeles Times

But just as important as his sound was Weir’s attitude — his determination to keep finding new ways to make the Dead’s music mean new things to new people.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Myers is the author of “Anatomy of a Song” and “Rock Concert: An Oral History,” and posts daily on music at JazzWax.com.

From The Wall Street Journal

Record labels happily took it before realizing that streaming, rather than owning, is the future of music.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• melody
• opera
• piece
• rap
• rock
• singing
• soul
• tune