recorded music played in the background in a place to establish a mood of relaxation, calm, etc
2.
a prevailing atmosphere or feeling
mood music in American English
noun
music comprised chiefly of popular songs in lush orchestral arrangements, intended to provide a relaxing, soothing atmosphere
Word origin
[1935–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1935–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Arts and Crafts Movement, complementation, fluorocarbon, hard core, walk-through
Examples of 'mood music' in a sentence
mood music
There's too much mood music, and not enough writing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Despite this optimism, the mood music seems to be changing.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
If we had mood music, it would have been a dirge.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Their plangent transoceanic singsong became the mood music of the age.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This was the mood music he needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There was some choice mood music too about the 'excellent start to the year'.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Despite better mood music, this latest supper summit was hardly positive.
The Sun (2017)
The result is unwittingly sophisticated, futuristic mood music.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This was the preamble, the mood music, to weekend league fixtures of enormous significance.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
And yet, somehow, the mood music has felt more tumultuous, more crisis-stricken than that.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
When it comes to the judiciary, the mood music is more encouraging.