musical

American  

[myoo-zi-kuhl] / ˈmyu zɪ kəl /

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.

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noun

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

musical British  

/ 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

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noun

1. short for musical comedy

musical Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of musical

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Medieval Latin mūsicālis; 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.

Example Sentences

The researchers compare atoms to a steady musical tone that normally sounds the same in every direction.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

"Major musical events are a driver of travel," said Vanessa Heydorff, managing director for France at Booking.com.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

And that also includes serving as Paul McCartney‘s musical director for 2001’s “The Concert for New York City” – and even producing for John Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Jack White, who was the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” with host Jack Black over the weekend, will be the opening performer in the Mojave Tent on Saturday playing from 3 to 3:45 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

He lay on the ground helplessly paralyzed by the musical notes emanating from the pendant.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

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