country music

noun

: music derived from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or of the Western cowboy
especially : popular vocal music characterized by simple harmonies, accompaniment by stringed instruments (such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, and pedal steel), repeated choruses, and often narrative lyrics

called also country, country and western

Examples of country music 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.
Kramer is an actress, ACM award-winning country music singer, and a New York Times best-selling author. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 That decision sparked the beginning of Parton’s rise as one of country music’s most revered and recognized solo artists. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025 Morgan Wallen is not the average country music superstar. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 That’s the title of the latest single from Something Out West, a country music duo with actor Chet Hanks and his friend, Drew Arthur. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for country music

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of country music was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Country music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/country%20music. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

country music

noun
: music coming from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or the Western cowboy

More from Merriam-Webster on country music

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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