What does music mean?
Music is the art of organizing sound into rhythm, melody, harmony, and other expressive structures. In common use, the word can refer to the activity or art itself, as in "music theory," or to a particular composition, performance, or body of recorded material. Music may be vocal, instrumental, electronic, or a combination of these, and it may be intended for ceremony, entertainment, communication, ceremony, or personal expression. The phrase "music to one's ears" uses the word figuratively for something delightful or pleasing to hear. Music is useful as a vocabulary word because it can describe both a physical composition of sounds and the broader cultural practice through which people create and experience those sounds.
Organized sound or a sequence of notes that together form a composition; also, the art of creating and performing such sounds.
"The school hosted a concert celebrating music from around the world."
The word can refer to the art or activity in general, to an individual composition, or to a collection of musical works.
To accompany something with music or to provide musical accompaniment for it.
"The composer musiced the ceremony with a small ensemble."
This use is literary and much less common than the noun; it is especially associated with the phrase "music to," as in "music to a play."
The plural is rare and usually refers to distinct bodies or collections of musical works rather than to individual pieces.
"The exhibition brought together musics from several different traditions."
Music takes its name from the Muses, the ancient Greek divine figures associated with artistic inspiration.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does music come from?
The English word music comes through Old French musique from Latin musica, meaning "of the Muses." Latin musica developed from Musa, referring to the Muses and ultimately to the Greek Mousa, the divine inspirers of the arts. Related English words include muse, museum, and amuse, while musician and musical preserve the same musical or Muse-related root in later derivatives.
Related word forms
How music is actually used
The word is generally neutral in register. The sense referring to a person's pleasing vocal manner is usually used attributively, as in "musical voice," and may imply a slightly exaggerated or theatrical quality.
Easily confused with music
Music is the art or material of organized sound, whereas a musical is a stage or film featuring songs and instrumental performances.