WordGarden.iomusical
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mjˈuːzɪkəl/
US
- /ˈmjuzɪkəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to music or involving music
naturally skilled at or sensitive to music
pleasantly melodic or music-like in sound
Noun
a stage or film work that tells its story with songs
Beyond the definition
Something "musical" has to do with music. It can describe a person who is good at playing an instrument or singing, a play that tells its story with songs, or even a sound that is pleasant and song-like. A babbling brook, for example, might be called "musical" because of its gentle, flowing sound.
The word can describe a person's natural ability ("She's very musical"), something connected with music ("a musical performance"), or a quality of sound ("He has a musical voice"). You'll often see it with words like "talent," "instrument," "ear," and "performance." Think of the movie The Sound of Music—the title makes the connection clear right away.
"Musical" is a versatile word deeply connected to the art of sound, but its meaning extends beyond just the act of creating music. At its core, it relates to anything involving music—whether it's skill, composition, performance, or even appreciation. For example, you might describe someone as "musical" if they have a natural talent for playing an instrument or singing beautifully: "My grandmother was a very musical woman; she played the piano every day."
But "musical" isn't limited to people. A "musical instrument" is any device used to create music—from a grand piano to a simple flute. A "musical score" is the written notation for a piece of music, and a "musical theatre" production (often shortened to just "a musical") combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. Think Hamilton, Wicked, or Les Misérables.
Beyond these direct connections, "musical" can also describe something that has qualities reminiscent of music. A "musical voice" is pleasant and melodic, while a "musical chime" might be a gentle, bell-like sound. You could even say a place is "musical" if it is filled with lively sounds or a vibrant, rhythmic atmosphere.
So, whether you're talking about talent, instruments, performances, or simply something that sounds beautiful, "musical" encompasses all things related to the captivating world of music and its influence on our senses.
Examples
- 1
Musical instrument
She bought her son a musical instrument for his birthday.
- 2
Stage show
The school is putting on a musical in June.
- 3
Personal ability
She's very musical and learned the guitar quickly.
- 4
Show performance
The film has several big musical numbers.
- Phrasemusical number
a song or dance part in a show or film
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Musical taste
We have very different musical tastes, but we both love live concerts.
- 6
Pleasant sound
Her voice is soft and musical.
- 7
Party game
The children played musical chairs at the party.
- Phrasemusical chairs
a game where people walk around chairs while music plays
- 8
Job changes
After the election, the top jobs turned into a game of musical chairs.
- Phrasea game of musical chairs
many people changing positions or jobs
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- musicalnounadjective
Forms
- musicalspluralnounadjective