music

[ myoo-zik ]

noun

1. an art of sound in time that expresses ideas and emotions in significant forms through the elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and color.
2. the tones or sounds employed, occurring in single line (melody) or multiple lines (harmony), and sounded or to be sounded by one or more voices or instruments, or both.
3. musical work or compositions for singing or playing.
4. the written or printed score of a musical composition.
5. such scores collectively.
6. any sweet, pleasing, or harmonious sounds or sound:

   the music of the waves.

7. appreciation of or responsiveness to musical sounds or harmonies:

   Music was in his very soul.

8. Fox Hunting. the cry of the hounds.

music

/ ˈmjuːzɪk /

noun

1. an art form consisting of sequences of sounds in time, esp tones of definite pitch organized melodically, harmonically, rhythmically and according to tone colour
2. such an art form characteristic of a particular people, culture, or tradition

   Indian music

   baroque music

   rock music

3. the sounds so produced, esp by singing or musical instruments
4. written or printed music, such as a score or set of parts
5. any sequence of sounds perceived as pleasing or harmonious
6. rare.
   a group of musicians

   the Queen's music

7. face the music informal.
   to confront the consequences of one's actions
8. music to one's ears
   something that is very pleasant to hear

   his news is music to my ears

Other Word Forms

• music·less adjective
• anti·music noun adjective
• under·music noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of music¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English musike, from Latin mūsica, from Greek mousikḕ (téchnē) “(the art) of the Muse,” feminine of mousikós, from Moûs(a) Muse + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of music¹

C13: via Old French from Latin mūsica, from Greek mousikē ( tekhnē ) (art) belonging to the Muses, from Mousa Muse

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. face the music, to meet, take, or accept the consequences of one's mistakes, actions, etc.:

   He's squandered his money and now he's got to face the music.

More idioms and phrases containing music

In addition to the idiom beginning with music , also see face the music .

Example Sentences

Police allege that the suspect, who Gutierrez believes is homeless, followed a USC graduate student into the music department April 2.

From Los Angeles Times

Born into a poor family in the city of Iriga, Ms Aunor established a career in television, music and film over seven decades.

From BBC

“Sinners” is a culmination of their unique creative partnership, a deeply personal celebration of their shared love of music and of each others’ families.

From Los Angeles Times

Penly filed her lawsuit as Carter promotes new music and appears in the new Paramount+ two-part documentary “The Carters: Hurts to Love You,” which premiered Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

The singer, whose hits include 7 Days, lived on the Holyrood Estate near Southampton city centre from the age of one until his music career took off in his early 20s.

From BBC

Related Words

• melody
• opera
• piece
• rap
• rock
• singing
• soul
• tune