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

That would be the Mahler Festival, a musical G20 summit of sorts celebrating the life and legacy of Gustav Mahler. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

The singer-songwriter is certainly gearing up for her next major musical chapter, and work on another collection of some kind seems to have already started – at least, if a recent comment from a Swedish DJ is to be believed. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Noun

Instead, the major drama comes in the form of Ivy’s corruption by her acting coach, as Ivy gradually goes method and becomes as difficult to work with as Marilyn was (one of this musical’s many meta moments). —Christian Lewis, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025

The premise of the making of a Marilyn musical is the same, but gone are most of the show's characters and the overall premise of the bitter feud between two women vying for the title party. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 11 Apr. 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