music

SayMYOO-zik/ˈmjuzɪk//ˈmjuːzɪk/

8 meanings of music

1
art formnoununcountable
Sounds from voices or instruments arranged so they are pleasing or moving to hear, and the art of making them.
Like painting or dancing, but made out of sound.
She wants to study music when she goes to college.
Music has been part of every culture for thousands of years.
UsageSay listen to music (not ~~incorrect: listen music~~).
2
pleasing soundnounfigurativelyuncountable
Sounds that are pleasant or interesting to hear.
The sound of rain on the roof was music to her tired ears.
To the lost hiker, the bubbling stream was pure music.
UsageSay It was music to my ears: it was nice to hear.
Note
3
printed notesnoununcountable
The written or printed notes that show how to play or sing a piece of music.
Like a recipe, but for a song instead of food.
She set the music on the stand and began to play.
He left his music at home before the big concert.
UsageSay read music: understand written notes.
Similarscore, notation

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of music apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came through French from Latin mūsica, which came from Ancient Greek mousikḗ. This came from Moûsa (Muse), a Greek goddess of the arts.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

Music came through French from Latin mūsica. en.wiktionary.org
Latin mūsica derives from Ancient Greek mousikḗ. en.wiktionary.org
Ancient Greek mousikḗ ultimately derives from Moûsa. en.wiktionary.org
A Muse is a Greek goddess of the arts. en.wikipedia.org