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

Modesty is rarely a hallmark of Broadway musicals, as anyone who attends them regularly can attest.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Rams defensive end Kobie Turner is a musical wiz, and he showed it by playing the theme song to NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On the subject of lyricism, as may be deduced by now, it was a largely disappointing year for new musicals—but not for musical-theater performances.

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Phil, the program gives students access to free instruments and the firsthand experience of being in a musical ensemble.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

D4vd — a young singer whose music straddles the line between R&B and indie rock — has raised eyebrows with some of his musical themes, particularly in the wake of Celeste’s death.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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