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
As his musical contributions expanded without recognition, tensions around credit and ownership led him to leave the band and pursue a solo career across London, Lagos and New York, shaping African disco and funk in the process. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026 Cypher’s turn opposite Julie Andrews’ title character in the 1957 CBS production of Cinderella marked the first time the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical was broadcast on live television. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
Fans of improv, musicals and audience participation will thoroughly enjoy this performance and should be prepared to repent for sins like eating a hamburger, owning too many snakes or yearning for a younger man. — Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 9 Aug. 2026 Platt is currently appearing in a new musical called Midnight at the Never Get at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 6 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 12 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of musical for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about musical

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