musical

1 of 2

adjective

mu·​si·​cal ˈmyü-zi-kəl 

1

a

: of or relating to music

b

: having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music : melodious

2

: having an interest in or talent for music

3

: set to or accompanied by music

4

: of or relating to musicians or music lovers

musically

ˈmyü-zi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

musical

2 of 2

noun

1

archaic : musicale

2

: a film or theatrical production typically of a sentimental or humorous nature that consists of musical numbers and dialogue based on a unifying plot

Synonyms

Adjective

• euphonious
• lyric
• lyrical
• mellifluent
• mellifluous
• mellow
• melodic
• melodious

Examples of musical in a Sentence

Adjective

She has a very musical voice.

the musical sounds of the babbling brook

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are also plenty of new songs (even the trio of musical numbers carried over from the original have extensive new lyrics from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul), though none of them have the same special, ineffable quality of the originals. —Josh Spiegel, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2025

Deadheads who bought tickets for an entire weekend’s worth of shows are no doubt feeling more justified in that decision, given how there will likely be unique visual content across all three nights at this point, in addition to the musical setlists consisting of no-repeat weekends. —Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025

Noun

Finally, Winter Park Playhouse has cemented its lineup of new musicals that will receive staged readings at the Florida Festival of New Musicals. —Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025

Both theaters have also staged musicals in the past. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Medieval Latin musicalis, from musica

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing musical

• jukebox musical
• musical box
• musical chairs
• musical comedy
• musical instrument
• musical saw

Rhymes for musical

• unmusical

Kids Definition

musical

1 of 2 adjective

mu·​si·​cal ˈmyü-zi-kəl 

1

a

: of or relating to music or the writing or performance of music

musical instruments

b

: having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music

a musical voice

2

: fond of or gifted in music

a musical family

3

: set to or accompanied by music

musically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

musical

2 of 2 noun

: a film or play that tells a story and that includes both musical numbers and dialogue