n. 1 the art of combining vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. 2 the sounds so produced. 3 musical compositions. 4 the written or printed score of a musical composition. 5 certain pleasant sounds, e.g. birdsong, the sound of a stream, etc. music box US = musical box. music centre equipment combining radio, record-player, tape recorder, etc. music drama Wagnerian-type opera without formal arias etc. and governed by dramatic considerations. music-hall Brit. 1 variety entertainment, popular c.1850-1914, consisting of singing, dancing, and novelty acts. 2 a theatre where this took place. music of the spheres see SPHERE. music-paper paper printed with staves for writing music. music stand a rest or frame on which sheet music or a score is supported. music stool a stool for a pianist, usu. with adjustable height. music theatre in late 20th-c. music, the combination of elements from music and drama in new forms distinct from traditional opera, esp. as designed for small groups of performers. music to one's ears something very pleasant to hear.
[ ME f. OF musique f. L musica f. Gk mousike (tekhne art) of the Muses (mousa Muse: see MUSE(1)) ]