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

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
What follows is part history lesson, part journalistic investigation, and a deeply nuanced and very funny musical trying to get to the bottom of it all. — Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 In May, the second edition of México Canta was announced during Sheinbaum’s daily news conference, generating online buzz when famed corrido tumbado singer Junior H vocalized support for the contest — while also lamenting his past musical choices. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
Kusama also ventured into musicals, filmmaking, and fashion, continually expanding the boundaries of her practice and establishing herself as one of the era’s most singular avant-garde figures. — Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 Her designs have been a staple of Broadway plays and musicals for nearly 25 years. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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