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.

Other Word Forms

• musically adverb
• musicality noun
• musicalness noun
• antimusical adjective
• antimusically adverb
• antimusicalness noun
• nonmusical adjective
• nonmusically adverb
• nonmusicalness noun
• premusical adjective
• premusically adverb
• quasi-musical adjective
• quasi-musically 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 new musical version of the beloved film re-creates this iconic scene with nine women onstage.

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Its original songs frequently paid homage to music from the late 20th century or musicals from that era like “Les Misérables.”

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Two pianists weave together brief musical statements—crawling, low-end figures; chiming high notes; staggered phrases; wisps of possible melodies.

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The LP’s musical and lyrical high point is “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” in which the protagonist seeks advice from a woman on easy ways to escape a relationship.

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She introduced Gigi to several musicals, from a bootleg version of “Legally Blonde,” to her first live theater experience in “Wicked,” to the cast album of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.”

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Related Words

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