musical

[myoo-zi-kuhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or producing music.

   a musical instrument.

   Synonyms: lyric, sweet, melodic, dulcet, tuneful

2. of the nature of or resembling music; melodious; harmonious.

3. fond of or skilled in music.

4. set to or accompanied by music.

   a musical entertainment.

noun

1. a play or movie in which the storyline is interspersed with or developed by songs, dances, and the like.

musical

/ ˈmjuːzɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or used in music

   a musical instrument

2. harmonious; melodious

   musical laughter

3. talented in or fond of music

4. involving or set to music

   a musical evening

noun

1. short for musical comedy

musical

1. A play or film that contains musical numbers. Musicals can be comedic (see musical comedy) or serious in tone, such as Porgy and Bess.

Other Word Forms

• musically adverb
• musicality noun
• musicalness noun
• antimusical adjective
• antimusically adverb
• antimusicalness noun
• nonmusical adjective
• nonmusically adverb
• nonmusicalness noun
• premusical adjective
• premusically adverb
• quasi-musical adjective
• quasi-musically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of musical¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Medieval Latin mūsicālis; music, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Emma Fawcett, course leader of dance and musical theatre at York College, said fundraising in her former student's memory meant "everything" to her.

From BBC

In his monologue, Bad Bunny said the reason he wasn’t serving as musical guest like the last time he hosted was that he needed to rest.

From Los Angeles Times

What started as musical chairs is beginning to sound like a sad trombone.

From Los Angeles Times

And in some ways, that stability within the band — along with a supportive and open-minded fan base — is what allows the artists to explore new musical pathways with each release.

From Los Angeles Times

Her successful stage career took her from the provinces to the West End, and eventually to Broadway, where Leonard Bernstein chose her to star in his musical 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in 1976.

From BBC

Related Words

• choral 
• melodic 
• operatic 
• rhythmic 
• symphonic 
• vocal