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Bluegrass: meaning, definitions and examples

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bluegrass

 

[ ˈbluːˌɡræs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music genre

Bluegrass is a form of American roots music that developed in the 1940s. It is characterized by its use of acoustic string instruments, vocal harmonies, and an emphasis on improvisation. The genre is closely associated with the sounds of the Appalachian region.

Synonyms

Americana, country music, folk music

Examples of usage

  • I love going to bluegrass festivals every summer.
  • The band played a lively bluegrass tune that got everyone dancing.
  • She learned to play the mandolin to join a bluegrass group.

Word origin

The term 'bluegrass' originated from the name of the Blue Grass Boys, a band formed by Bill Monroe in the 1930s. This band is widely considered to be the lineage of bluegrass music, with Monroe often referred to as the Father of Bluegrass. The name itself is derived from bluegrass, a type of grass found in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, which was influenced by the cultural heritage of Scottish and Irish immigrants, who brought their musical traditions and instruments. Bluegrass music reflects a blend of folk, country, and gospel sounds, and has evolved over the decades, incorporating elements from jazz and pop, while maintaining its roots in acoustic instrumentation and harmony.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,936, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.