bluegrass

noun

blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras How to pronounce bluegrass (audio)
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
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.
Performers Andy Marder, Tyler Stamets and Martin Theiler have been influenced by bluegrass, rockabilly and country music genres. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Lloyd’s musical tastes range from Merle Haggard to George Strait, from old-school bluegrass to more contemporary acts. Matthew Geiger, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025 Willie Nelson is set to spearhead the 10th annual Outlaw Music Festival Tour, welcoming a range of country, alt-country, Americana, bluegrass, folk and rock artists along for the 35-stop trek, which will visit 22 states along the way. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025 Singer, guitarist, and mandolin player Russell Moore, also of the bluegrass band IIIrd Tyme Out, is now part of the ensemble along with its other longtime members — dobro player Jerry Douglas, bassist Barry Bales, and guitarist and banjo player Ron Block. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bluegrass

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bluegrass was in 1751

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Cite this Entry

“Bluegrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluegrass. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

bluegrass

noun
blue·​grass -ˌgras How to pronounce bluegrass (audio)
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 How to pronounce Bluegrass (audio)
region of central Kentucky where Kentucky bluegrass abounds that is noted for the breeding of fine horses

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