noun
musicology
myoo-zih-KOL-uh-jee
Musicology (noun) means the scholarly study of music, including its history, its theory and the science of sound. Example: “She is studying musicology at university and hopes to research medieval song.”
noun
1
The scholarly study of music, including its history, its theory and the science of sound.
"She is studying musicology at university and hopes to research medieval song."
"A course in musicology usually covers both history and theory."
"His book on Renaissance choirs is a work of serious musicology."
How to use musicology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe academic study of music and how it works.
When to use it
It is a formal, academic term and usually uncountable.
Common pairings
study musicology
a musicology degree
professor of musicology
historical musicology
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Etymology
The word was formed in English from music and the ending -logy, which is used for fields of study.
Rhymes for musicology
See all rhymes for musicology →Frequently asked questions
What is musicology?
Musicology is the scholarly study of music. It covers areas such as musical history, music theory and the physical nature of sound.
What is the difference between musicology and music theory?
Music theory is one part of musicology, which is the wider study of music. Musicology also takes in history and the science of sound.
How do you pronounce musicology?
In British English it is said myoo-zih-KOL-uh-jee, with the stress on the third syllable.
What is the meaning of musicology?
"musicology" (noun) means the scholarly study of music, including its history, its theory and the science of sound.
