What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
soundtrack
Example
The soundtrack for this movie is amazing. [soundtrack: noun]
Example
I made a playlist of my favorite songs for my road trip soundtrack. [soundtrack: noun]
music
Example
I love listening to music while I work. [music: noun]
Example
She is studying music theory in college. [music: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Music is a more commonly used term than soundtrack in everyday language. Music is a broad term that covers a wide range of musical expressions and can be enjoyed independently of any other media. Soundtrack is a more specialized term that is typically associated with movies, TV shows, or video games.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between soundtrack and music?
Both soundtrack and music can be used in formal and informal contexts, but music is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels.