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

This was a real-life program in New York and New Jersey that Seeger used to showcase folk, blues, and bluegrass musicians. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024

Don’t-Miss Event The annual Spring Bash and Splash is a rowdy series of bluegrass concerts, costume contests, beach parties, and pond skims held every weekend from the end of March through April. —Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 10 Dec. 2024

Perhaps Brickman’s biggest hidden talent is his bluegrass roots. —Mike Sacks, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024

The beloved bluegrass musicians announced the Arcadia 2025 Tour on Tuesday, Dec. 3, which will take them across the U.S. and Canada for 73 shows from April through September. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 3 Dec. 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