fantasia

noun

fan·​ta·​sia fan-ˈtā-zhə How to pronounce fantasia (audio)
-zhē-ə, 
-zē-ə;
ˌfan-tə-ˈzē-ə
1
: a free usually instrumental composition not in strict form
2
a
: a work (such as a poem or play) in which the author's fancy roves unrestricted
b
: something possessing grotesque, bizarre, or unreal qualities

Examples of fantasia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The resulting, room-sized artwork engulfed visitors in a swirling fantasia featuring bouncing balls, morphing nets and slow-motion action shots of Messi. — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 29 July 2026 The menu is a fantasia of 1970s hippie chow starring whole-wheat breads, housemade nut patties and plenty of sprouts. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026 But partway though a fantasia on American tunes, a man sitting across my aisle in Jay Pritzker Pavilion curled inwards on himself. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 The pool, a multilevel fantasia of waterslides and relaxation areas, was laced with walkways shaded by native plants; our children played there for hours. — Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fantasia

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from Italian, "imagination as a faculty, rare phenomenon, exotic object, refined ornament, improvised musical variation," borrowed from Late Latin phantasia "imagination as a faculty, mental image of something perceived physically" — more at fantasy entry 1

Note: The musical term is conventionally attributed to Italian, though the linguistic context in which it is first used is uncertain.

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fantasia was in 1724

Rhymes for fantasia

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Browse Nearby Words

fan-tan
fantasia
fantasied
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Cite this Entry

“Fantasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fantasia. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fantasia

noun
fan·​ta·​sia fan-ˈtā-zhə How to pronounce fantasia (audio)
ˌfant-ə-ˈzē-ə
: a musical composition written without following a particular style

More from Merriam-Webster on fantasia

Nglish: Translation of fantasia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fantasia

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