musical chairs

noun

plural in form but singular in construction
: a game in which players march to music around a row of chairs numbering one less than the players and scramble for seats when the music stops
also : a situation or series of events suggesting the game of musical chairs (as in rapid change or confusing activity)

Examples of musical chairs in a Sentence

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.
But the game of musical chairs hardly ends there. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 12 May 2026 This district doesn’t need musical chairs. — East Bay Times Editorial Board, Mercury News, 7 May 2026 Ramírez’s exit forced the Guardians into a game of defensive musical chairs. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 14 June 2026 The study suggests that the struggles of many American men have created something like a game of musical chairs for women looking to get married. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for musical chairs

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of musical chairs was in 1877

Rhymes for musical chairs

See All Rhymes for musical chairs

Browse Nearby Words

musical box
musical chairs
musical clock
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Musical chairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musical%20chairs. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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