music

noun, mu·sic often attributive \ˈmyü-zik\

: sounds that are sung by voices or played on musical instruments

: written or printed symbols showing how music should be played or sung

: the art or skill of creating or performing music

Full Definition of MUSIC

a : the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity

b : vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony

a : an agreeable sound : euphony <her voice was music to my ears>

b : musical quality <the music of verse>

: a musical accompaniment <a play set to music>

: the score of a musical composition set down on paper

: a distinctive type or category of music <there is a music for everybody — Eric Salzman>

See music defined for English-language learners

See music defined for kids

Origin of MUSIC

Middle English musik, from Anglo-French musike, from Latin musica, from Greek mousikē any art presided over by the Muses, especially music, from feminine of mousikos of the Muses, from Mousa Muse

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

MUSIC Defined for Kids

music

noun mu·sic \ˈmyü-zik\

Definition of MUSIC for Kids

: an arrangement of sounds having melody, rhythm and usually harmony <classical music>

: the art of producing pleasing or expressive combinations of tones especially with melody, rhythm, and usually harmony <I want to study music in college.>

: a musical composition set down on paper <Bring your music.>

: a pleasing sound <Your voice is music to my ears.>