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

While the 800-acre park is known for hosting festivals throughout the year — from bluegrass to jam bands and DJs — Hulaween is its most popular. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2025

SummerStage will put the spotlight on a number of female artists as well, with bluegrass/Americana singer Rihannon Giddens playing Central Park on June 25, Indian-American singer-songwriter Asha Puthli taking the stage on July 23 and folk singer Jessica Pratt performing on July 24. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025

Its sound — a blend of Americana, bluegrass and Appalachian standards — hit a chord. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025

Bluegrass benefit boosts Frankfort’s free music festival Fans of bluegrass music are invited to the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival all-volunteer committee’s benefit from 6 to 10 p.m. May 9 at CD & Me, 23320 S. LaGrand Road, Frankfort. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bluegrass

• Kentucky bluegrass
• rough bluegrass

Rhymes for bluegrass

• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• chagas
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse

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