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

Krauss’ group is nominated for Arcadia, which received a Grammy nod for best bluegrass album. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 12 Nov. 2025

Last week, Flory released the barn-dance project Man of Visions, a 10-track album that mixes bluegrass with folk, Appalachia with Texas. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025

Rooted in tradition and driven by heartfelt harmony, the By The Lee Trio is an acoustic powerhouse blending the soul of folk with the force of bluegrass. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025

Themes of community and sacrifice abound, as do bluegrass ditties penned by Paul Williams. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 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