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

Tributes have been paid to a musician and business innovator described as "one of the true pioneers of British musical equipment", who has died aged 77.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The event includes panels and booths featuring artists, publishers and authors; book signings; musical performances; film screenings; and poetry readings.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

But the singer says she learned to keep up with fans’ appetite by serving them a varied musical diet.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Like a musical Solomon, Lipman split the baby—avoiding the passé waltz while retaining its inherent groove with those persistent triplets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Cecilia’s musical voice made us all jump, startled.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

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