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

Throughout his music career, Cole has incorporated basketball images and references into his lyrics, performances and cover art.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

But did she ever worry that taking a break from music, and coming back with a brand new sound, would jeopardise her career?

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

She has covered extensively the rise of streaming and subsequent soaring value of music assets, including the catalog acquisition space and new money pouring into the business.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

The “Federal Contraband” hitmaker was still on house arrest in January when the alleged music studio takeover took place.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

There was no music so we hummed, both of us, mostly tunelessly.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

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