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

This display is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. —Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

The show featured musical performances in every episode, which didn’t produce the ratings spike that ABC was hoping for, leading to a cancellation 17 episodes into its second season. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 21 Dec. 2024

Noun

Sometimes new musicals don’t deliver with the songs but with Jeff Richmond’s music and Nell Benjamin’s lyrics there are many memorable musical moments. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Gypsy is often named the greatest American musical of all time. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

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

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