soundtrack

American  

[sound-trak] / ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the narrow band on one or both sides of a motion-picture film on which sound is recorded.

2. the sound recorded on a motion-picture film; audio portion of a film.

3. the music or dialogue from a film available on a commercial recording.

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soundtrack British  

/ ˈsaʊndˌtræk /

noun

1. the recorded sound accompaniment to a film Compare commentary

2. a narrow strip along the side of a spool of film, which carries the sound accompaniment

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verb

1. (tr) to provide a continuous accompaniment of sounds, esp music

Etymology

Origin of soundtrack

First recorded in 1925–30; sound ¹ + track

Explanation

The music that a movie is set to is its soundtrack. Some soundtracks are composed and recorded especially for a film, while others are made up of many songs by different musicians. TV shows and video games often have soundtracks too, although the concept started with films. During the silent film era, musicians would sometimes play live music to accompany a movie screening. The origin of the term soundtrack goes back to approximately the same time that the first "talkie," or film with sound (1929's "The Jazz Singer"), was screened for audiences. A recorded album featuring the music from a movie is also called a soundtrack.

Example Sentences

A writer by day and an avid concertgoer by night, I relied for years on Spotify to provide my soundtrack and introduce me to new bands.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026

Then you’d hear the “Bodyguard” soundtrack — “I’m Every Woman,” Whitney Houston.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

All that’s missing from C-Span is the soundtrack of “Monday Night RAW.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

She describes a glimmer of light when the band is asked to contribute a cover to a movie soundtrack, and it temporarily pulls the musicians together.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

I turn up the volume on my soundtrack.

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein