Muzak

Meanings

1. Recorded background music characterized by soft, soothing instrumental sounds which is transmitted by wire, radio, or recorded media (originally on a subscription basis) to doctors' offices, shops, and other business premises.

1. Easy listening music, whether played live or recorded, especially if regarded as uninteresting.
2. Something (such as speech) regarded as droning on and often boring, or soothing but undemanding.

1. To provide (premises, etc.) with Muzak.
2. To adapt or reduce (a piece of music, etc.) to the status of Muzak.

1. Alternative letter-case form of Muzak (“easy listening music, especially if regarded as uninteresting; something regarded as droning on and often boring, or soothing but undemanding”).

1. Alternative letter-case form of Muzak.

Etymology

The noun is a blend of music + the letters ak from Kodak, a well-known brand in 1934 when the word was coined by the American inventor, scientist, and soldier George Owen Squier (1865–1934), who developed the original technical basis for the service. The verb is derived from the noun.