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

While not uncommon for fantasy flicks and sci-fi entries, it’s never been done before with the film adaptation of a stage musical.

From Los Angeles Times

The actor and singer is receiving rave reviews for her comedic turn in John M. Chu's big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Wicked."

From Salon

And to me, it was startling to see that in this fantastical world, even given the sort of upbeat nature of musical theater.

From Los Angeles Times

The composer, who played flute with West African musicians in the 1980s and has a lifelong passion for jazz and African American musical traditions, was excited by the opportunity to work on “The Piano Lesson.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ms. Hayden said in an interview on Wednesday that she will continue to work on writing and producing and is working on a short film and a musical.

From New York Times

Related Words

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