Musical describes something related to music or pleasing to hear, like a voice with a musical quality that rises and falls in an appealing way. When we call someone musical, we mean they have natural talent or sensitivity for music: they might pick up melodies easily, play instruments well, or simply understand rhythm and harmony without much effort.

The word also refers to a type of theatrical performance that tells a story through a combination of songs, dialogue, and dance. Shows like The Sound of Music, Hamilton, and The Lion King on Broadway are musicals. Unlike a regular play where actors only speak their lines, a musical includes songs that help move the story forward or express what characters are feeling. Musicals often feature elaborate costumes, choreographed dance numbers, and an orchestra playing in the pit below the stage.

When something has a musical sound, it has a pleasant, rhythmic quality even if it isn't technically music. You might describe a person's laughter as musical, or notice the musical sound of rain on a roof. The word suggests harmony, rhythm, and a quality that's simply nice to listen to.