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

Explanation

Music is the pleasing sound created by voices or instruments following some tonal structure. If you sing, whistle, or play an instrument, you are making music. You can also write music using the specific language of notes. In Greek mythology, the goddesses who inspired creativity were called the Muses, from the words mousikḕ téchnē ("the art of the muses”). This led to the Latin mūsica. The word is also used in various idioms, such as "face the music," which means to accept consequences, and "making beautiful music together," which suggests making love. If something is "like music to your ears," you are happy to hear it.

Example Sentences

They were more interested in hearing some good music and learning about Parton’s life than seeking out a thrill ride.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

This artistic neverland is crystallized in the apartment building that has music pouring out of every floor when Ali rides the elevator.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

The voices behind Milli Vanilli's music said in a statement on X that they will not be performing.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The investment firm launched its takeover bid for the world's largest music company in April, a move which would have seen it listed as a new company in America.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

As they were singing, I found I could lose myself completely in the music, that I could forget all the dreadful things that were going on in the world.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Related Words

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