Origin: Latin suffix -al
Musical has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
a play or film whose action and dialogue is interspersed with singing and dancing
"We spent last night watching our favorite musical, which featured incredible songs and choreography throughout the entire story."
A stage performance, show or film that involves singing, dancing and musical numbers performed by the cast as well as acting.
"The local theater company is putting on a new musical next month that features elaborate dance routines alongside all the traditional dialogue scenes."
In plain English: A musical is a play that includes songs and dances as part of the story.
"The local choir held its annual musical in the town hall last Sunday."
Usage: Use "musical" as a noun to refer specifically to a theatrical production or film featuring songs, dances, and spoken dialogue integrated into the story. Do not use it as a standalone noun when simply referring to the genre of music itself; instead, specify that you are talking about a musical theater show or a musical movie.
characteristic of or resembling or accompanied by music
"a musical speaking voice"
"a musical comedy"
Of, belonging or relating to music, or to its performance or notation.
"The museum's new exhibit is entirely musical, featuring instruments from every continent alongside rare sheet music from the 18th century."
In plain English: Something that is musical sounds pleasant and has a natural rhythm, like a song or a melody.
"The school choir performed many musical numbers during their annual talent show."
Usage: Use musical to describe something that involves sound, rhythm, or melody, such as a musical instrument or a musical composition. Do not use it to mean capable of understanding language or having musical talent unless specifically referring to the ability to learn music quickly.
The word "musical" comes from the Medieval Latin mūsicālis, which was formed by adding a suffix meaning "pertaining to" to the Latin root for music. It entered English through Middle English and Old French, retaining its original sense of relating to or involving music.