soundtrack

American  

[sound-trak] / ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the narrow band on one or both sides of a motion-picture film on which sound is recorded.

2. the sound recorded on a motion-picture film; audio portion of a film.

3. the music or dialogue from a film available on a commercial recording.

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soundtrack British  

/ ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the recorded sound accompaniment to a film Compare commentary

2. a narrow strip along the side of a spool of film, which carries the sound accompaniment

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verb

1. (tr) to provide a continuous accompaniment of sounds, esp music

Etymology

Origin of soundtrack

First recorded in 1925–30; sound ¹ + track

Explanation

The music that a movie is set to is its soundtrack. Some soundtracks are composed and recorded especially for a film, while others are made up of many songs by different musicians. TV shows and video games often have soundtracks too, although the concept started with films. During the silent film era, musicians would sometimes play live music to accompany a movie screening. The origin of the term soundtrack goes back to approximately the same time that the first "talkie," or film with sound (1929's "The Jazz Singer"), was screened for audiences. A recorded album featuring the music from a movie is also called a soundtrack.

Example Sentences

Part of the reason for the cost, it turns out, is that the soundtrack is stuffed with pricey needle drops, like The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” and Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

Popular entertainment from “Saltburn” to “Heated Rivalry” sends viewers flocking to retro soundtrack selections.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

The documentary pulls together talent from across the region - with Meji convincing Ghanaian composer Ray Michael Djan Jr, who worked on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, to do the music.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Cale is featured on “House,” the soundtrack album’s lead single.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Chaplin’s first film with a synchronised music soundtrack was City Lights, released in 1931, for which he also composed five songs in addition to the score.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall