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 Words From

• 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

“I was very angry at first that this had happened. I guess what I’m most apprehensive about would be if I can’t hear well enough to really enjoy the act of making music,” Simon revealed.

From Salon

"I want to highlight that, and I want people to talk about it, and I want people to know the truth about what what's happening in the music business."

From BBC

Motown released some of the best Christmas music back in the day, so prospects are good.

From Los Angeles Times

The company, which has 170 million U.S. users, has been a significant tool for promoting content by video creators, small businesses, music artists and Hollywood studios.

From Los Angeles Times

Dworkin loved being able to create a song that feels modern and relatable “because sometimes Hebraic music cannot feel that way.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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