musical

[ myoo-zi-kuhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or producing music:

   a musical instrument.

   Synonyms: lyric, sweet, melodic, dulcet, tuneful

2. of the nature of or resembling music; melodious; harmonious.
3. fond of or skilled in music.
4. set to or accompanied by music:

   a musical entertainment.

noun

1. a play or movie in which the storyline is interspersed with or developed by songs, dances, and the like.

musical

/ ˈmjuːzɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or used in music

   a musical instrument

2. harmonious; melodious

   musical laughter

3. talented in or fond of music
4. involving or set to music

   a musical evening

noun

1. short for musical comedy

musical

1. A play or film that contains musical numbers. Musicals can be comedic ( see musical comedy ) or serious in tone, such as Porgy and Bess.

Derived Forms

• ˈmusicalness, noun
• ˈmusically, adverb

Other Words From

• mu·si·cal·ly adverb
• mu·si·cal·i·ty [myoo-zi-, kal, -i-tee], mu·si·cal·ness noun
• an·ti·mu·si·cal adjective
• an·ti·mu·si·cal·ly adverb
• an·ti·mu·si·cal·ness noun
• non·mu·si·cal adjective
• non·mu·si·cal·ly adverb
• non·mu·si·cal·ness noun
• pre·mu·si·cal adjective
• pre·mu·si·cal·ly adverb
• qua·si-mu·si·cal adjective
• qua·si-mu·si·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of musical¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Medieval Latin mūsicālis; music, -al ¹

Example Sentences

The entertainer, whose musical bonafides include stage productions of “The Lion King” and “Billy Elliot,” also discussed his eye health in a November interview with “Good Morning America.”

From Los Angeles Times

The “Wicked” nation is still relatively young, like the musical itself.

From Salon

“This has been quite a journey, and it’s all ended so wonderfully,” John said of the West End production of the musical, which began previews in July.

From Salon

Elton John’s eyesight problems have persisted to the point where he could not see a performance of his own musical in London on Sunday night, he told the crowd after the show.

From New York Times

That fearlessness is evident in Washington’s performance too — charming, boisterous and musical, but in the character’s bookend moments, serene and almost childlike.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choral
• melodic
• operatic
• rhythmic
• symphonic
• vocal