ENGLISH
REFERENCE

musical

adj. · n.
US //ˈmjuzɪkəɫ// UK //mjˈuːzɪkəl// mu·si·cal
  1. 1 related to music (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    relating to music, its performance, or how it is written.

    pertaining to the art, performance, or notation of music.

    Example

    The children are learning different musical instruments at school.

    Example

    The composer's musical notation was so complex that even seasoned orchestral players required several rehearsals to master the score.
  2. 2 talented in music (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having a natural skill for music or enjoying it very much.

    possessing a natural talent, aptitude, or keen interest in music.

    Example

    She comes from a very musical family where everyone plays the piano.

    Example

    Although he had no formal training, his musical ear allowed him to reproduce complex melodies after hearing them only once.
    • unmusical
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  1. 3 pleasant sounding (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having a pleasant sound that reminds you of music.

    having a melodious or harmonious quality that is pleasing to the ear.

    Example

    The waterfall made a soft, musical sound as it hit the rocks.

    Example

    The poet was celebrated for the musical quality of his verse, which seemed to sing even when read silently.
  2. 4 theatre/film genre (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a play or film that uses singing and dancing to tell a story.

    a theatrical production or film consisting of a narrative interspersed with songs and choreographed dancing.

    Example

    We went to see a famous musical in London last night.

    Example

    The high school drama department chose to produce a classic musical, requiring the students to train in vocal performance and jazz dance simultaneously.
Origin

From Middle English musical, from Old French [Term?], from Medieval Latin mūsicālis, from Latin mūsica (“music”) + -ālis (suffix forming adjectives); equivalent to music + -al.

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