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.
The Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival features 13 folk musicians playing a variety of music from the early to mid-1900s, including blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2025 Even when, as during an onstage number during one of the film’s several potlucks (a Midwestern tradition Patterson relishes in here), the group sounds more like the indie band Beirut than traditional bluegrass. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025 He's been a 'Led Head' from day one and also loves bluegrass and big-band music. — Nicole Briese, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 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 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

Phrases Containing bluegrass

Rhymes for bluegrass

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bluegrass
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Cite this Entry

“Bluegrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluegrass. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on bluegrass

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bluegrass

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