ENGLISH
REFERENCE

soundtrack

n. · v.
US //ˈsaʊnˌtɹæk// UK //sˈaʊndtɹæk// sound·track
  1. 1 music in a film (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    the music and sounds that play during a movie or video game.

    the entire audio component of a motion picture, television programme, or video game, particularly the musical score.

    Example

    The movie was okay, but the soundtrack was absolutely beautiful.

    Example

    The director worked closely with the composer to ensure the soundtrack reflected the haunting atmosphere of the coastal setting.

  2. 2 commercial album (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Music

    a recording of the music from a movie that you can buy or stream.

    a commercially released recording of the musical tracks featured in a film or television series.

    Example

    I bought the soundtrack on vinyl because I loved the songs so much.

    Example

    The film's soundtrack topped the charts for several weeks, driven by the popularity of its lead single.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 technical film strip (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the narrow part on a piece of film where the sound is kept.

    the narrow path or strip on one side of a cinematographic film that carries the recorded sound.

    Example

    Old film projectors read the soundtrack from a thin line next to the pictures.

    Example

    The restoration team had to carefully clean the optical soundtrack to remove the hiss and crackle from the 1930s master print.

    • audio track
  2. 4 to provide music for (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Music

    to provide the music or sound for a movie or an event.

    to provide or serve as the musical or auditory accompaniment to a film or sequence of events.

    Example

    The sounds of the city soundtracked their long walk home.

    Example

    The documentary is soundtracked by traditional folk music, which adds a layer of cultural authenticity to the visual narrative.

Origin

From sound + track.

© 2026 English Reference