bluegrass

noun

blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras 

1

: any of several grasses (genus Poa) of which some have bluish-green culms

especially : kentucky bluegrass

2

[from the Blue Grass Boys, performing group, from Bluegrass state, nickname of Kentucky] : country music characterized by the use of unamplified stringed instruments (such as banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin), by free improvisation, and by close usually high-pitched harmony

Examples of bluegrass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sample homemade chili, sip some beer and take in the sounds of bluegrass at the annual Cabbagetown Chomp & Stomp. —Kristal Dixon, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

Trampled by Turtles is a folk/bluegrass band from Minnesota that has topped the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart four times. —Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Oct. 2024

Oktoberfest is the largest of more than 400 annual events and celebrations, which also include a bluegrass festival, a craft beer-and-polka gathering, and Christmas traditions. —Ashley Cusick, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2024

Burnett assembled country, Americana, and bluegrass musicians from Emmylou Harris to Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch. —Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bluegrass

• Kentucky bluegrass
• rough bluegrass

Kids Definition

bluegrass

noun

blue·​grass -ˌgras 

1

: any of several grasses with usually bluish green stems

especially : Kentucky bluegrass

2

: country music played on a small group of instruments (as banjo, fiddle, and mandolin) with melody or harmony often made up by players during a performance

Geographical Definition

Bluegrass

geographical name

Blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras 

region of central Kentucky where Kentucky bluegrass abounds that is noted for the breeding of fine horses