musical
Americanadjective
-
of, relating to, or used in music
a musical instrument
-
harmonious; melodious
musical laughter
-
talented in or fond of music
-
involving or set to music
a musical evening
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
antimusicalnessnoun
-
musicalitynoun
-
musicalnessnoun
-
nonmusicalnessnoun
-
antimusicaladjective
-
nonmusicaladjective
-
premusicaladjective
-
quasi-musicaladjective
-
antimusicallyadverb
-
musicallyadverb
-
nonmusicallyadverb
-
premusicallyadverb
-
quasi-musicallyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of musical
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Medieval Latin mūsicālis; see music, -al 1
Explanation
Anything musical has to do with music. Tra la la! If you’re really musical, try out for a musical so you can sing on the big stage. And, if you’re playing musical chairs, better find a seat before the music stops! Musical things have a tune or rhythm, like a robin’s song or "La Cucaracha." Musical instruments, like clarinets and guitars, make music. Or hope to. The bands you’re into reflect your musical tastes. If your parents are musicians, you come from a musical family. When musical is a noun, it's short for "musical drama." The Sound of Music is a musical (film) about the musical (talented singing) Von Trapp family. Guess what they’re into.
Vocabulary lists containing musical
Reading: Literature - Drama - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Academy Awards, List 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Talk Like Shakespeare Day, List 8
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
The London audience had just been treated to a Traitors-themed musical performance in his honour, which included fellow cast member Paloma Faith emerging from a coffin, when he was given the surprise award.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
In the tradition of songwriters like Matthew Sweet, Neil Finn and Andy Partridge of XTC, Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei is a master of musical structure who writes with mathematical precision.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
It’s a musical event some might have thought unlikely or impossible — but to me, it wasn’t a matter of if Beyoncé would ever release a collaboration with Selena but when.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026
Bean impressively captures Wanda’s determined grind, but it’s Asante Blackk’s delicate combination of anxiety and ambition as her cousin Lamar, a musical prodigy, that locked me in to the first episode.
From Salon ● Sep. 4, 2026
“How else could I juggle musical beehives with my feet?”
From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri
Backed by Arthur Freed, the legendary producer of MGM musicals, “Invitation” remains an audacious extravaganza and an underappreciated achievement in cine-dance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
She starred in films alongside Alec Guinness, Fred Astaire and Peter O'Toole and appeared in musicals in New York and London.
From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026
Davies, who made the Strictly Come Dancing final last year, has had other roles in musicals, including Pretty Woman and 9 to 5.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
She attended Brandeis University, where she majored in political science and performed in musicals and cabaret.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
Zach looked at him and said, “You read about musicals now, Dad?”
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
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.
