musical comedy

American  

[myoo-zi-kuhl kom-i-dee] / ˈmyu zɪ kəl ˈkɒm ɪ di /

noun

1. a musical that is light or humorous with a happy or cheerful ending.

2. (formerly, especially in reference to works from the first half of the 20th century) musical.

3. Also called comedy music.  a genre of entertainment that prominently features songs in a comedy routine, such as stand-up comedy, or that is a type of show or album similar to a comedy routine, presented entirely in song.

---

musical comedy British  

noun

1. a play or film, usually having a light romantic story, that consists of dialogue interspersed with singing and dancing

2. such plays and films collectively

---

musical comedy Cultural  

1. A play or film that highlights song and dance. Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, A Chorus Line, and The Producers are well-known musical comedies.

---

Etymology

Origin of musical comedy

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

Mr. Lane’s performance as Miller’s life-baffled Willy Loman indelibly proved that his range as an actor extends well beyond musical comedy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The Singers, an 18-minute musical comedy, was announced first.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The musical comedy follows an engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

The two met while making the 2012 musical comedy “Rock of Ages.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025

Wishing she could be the co-adventurer in the fantasy she lit in the first place, introducing me to the magical escape of musical comedy.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle