What does soundtrack mean?
A soundtrack is the collection of music and other sounds heard in a film, television programme, video game, or similar production. The word can also refer to an album featuring music from such a work. It is especially associated with the emotional role music plays in cinema: a theme may suggest romance, danger, nostalgia, or hope without any dialogue being necessary. When people say that a production has a memorable or excellent soundtrack, they may be referring either to the music as heard in the work or to the accompanying album. In discussions of film music, soundtrack is sometimes distinguished from a score, which more specifically means the instrumental music written for a production. The term is widely used in British and American English and is common in both formal criticism and everyday conversation.
The music and other sounds heard in a film, television programme, video game, or other production; also, an album containing music associated with such a work.
"The film's soundtrack captures the atmosphere of its rural setting."
The word is sometimes used for the complete audio experience of a production, but most often emphasizes its music.
To supply a film, television programme, or other production with a soundtrack.
"The documentary was soundtracked by a small ensemble of musicians."
This use is especially common in the media and entertainment industries.
The regular plural is used for separate soundtracks or albums associated with different productions.
"The two sequels have completely different soundtracks."
A soundtrack is the emotional memory of a film: even when nobody says a word, the music can tell us how to feel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does soundtrack come from?
Soundtrack was formed by combining sound with track. The term emerged in the early twentieth century in connection with recorded sound on film, when audio was represented on a separate track. It later broadened to refer to the music associated with a film or programme and, by extension, to albums of that music. Its modern sense combines the idea of recorded sound with the older musical and recording association of a track.
Related word forms
How soundtrack is actually used
As a noun, soundtrack is common in film, television, gaming, and music contexts. As a verb, it usually means to provide a production with a soundtrack and is more common in creative and media industries.
Easily confused with soundtrack
A soundtrack may include music and other sounds heard in a production, while a score usually refers specifically to the music composed for it.