DictionaryhookyMusical catchiness
adjective

hooky

Having catchy, memorable musical phrases.

The band's hooky new single stays in my head all day.

Etymology

In music, a hook is a phrase that catches the listener’s attention. The adjective ending describes music rich in those memorable, attention-catching phrases.

More examples

  • A hooky guitar riff makes the song instantly recognizable.
  • Her latest album pairs hooky melodies with surprisingly dark lyrics.
  • The chorus is hookier than the verse.

Forms

hooky · hookier · hookiest

hook noun — A catchy, memorable phrase in music.

Similar words

catchy
Also describes memorable slogans or names, not just music.
tuneful
Emphasizes a pleasing melody rather than especially memorable musical phrases.