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

Though she is known as a country music icon, Dolly Parton was a central presence at the 2026 Americana Awards and Honors Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

Following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton last month, the Country Music Association has set a live, two-hour evening dedicated to honoring the beloved star. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Twenty farms have carved out large corn mazes to honor the late country music icon, actor and philanthropist and raise money for her Imagination Library, which provides free books to children. — ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

As the Grand Ole Opry recently celebrated its centennial anniversary, the venerable country music institution and the world’s longest running radio show has continued setting new milestones. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

country music

noun

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