musical

1 of 2

adjective

mu·​si·​cal ˈmyü-zi-kəl How to pronounce musical (audio)
Synonyms of musicalnext
1
a
: of or relating to music
b
: having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music : melodious
2
: having an interest in or talent for music
3
: set to or accompanied by music
4
: of or relating to musicians or music lovers
musically
ˈmyü-zi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce musical (audio)
adverb

musical

2 of 2

noun

1
archaic : musicale
2
: a film or theatrical production typically of a sentimental or humorous nature that consists of musical numbers and dialogue based on a unifying plot

Synonyms of musical

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Adjective

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Examples of musical in a Sentence

Adjective She has a very musical voice. the musical sounds of the babbling brook
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In 2004, with Swift was 14, the family moved to Tennessee to support her musical ambitions. — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026 Her cartwheels, in the form of her singing and acting in Pali High musical productions, were now my cartwheels. — Diana Daniele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
Starlight will offer weekend matinées at the four weeklong musicals announced this week as part of its 2027 AdventHealth Broadway Series. — Dan Kelly october 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 Wanted, the new musical from Angelica Chéri and Ross Baum starring Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine, was a virtual sell-out for five previews at the James Earl Jones, grossing $451,014. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for musical

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Medieval Latin musicalis, from musica

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of musical was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing musical

Rhymes for musical

See All Rhymes for musical

Browse Nearby Words

musica ficta
musical
musical accent
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Musical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musical. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

musical

1 of 2 adjective
mu·​si·​cal ˈmyü-zi-kəl How to pronounce musical (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to music or the writing or performance of music
musical instruments
b
: having the pleasing harmonious qualities of music
a musical voice
2
: fond of or gifted in music
a musical family
3
: set to or accompanied by music
musically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce musical (audio)
adverb

musical

2 of 2 noun
: a film or play that tells a story and that includes both musical numbers and dialogue

More from Merriam-Webster on musical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about musical

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