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

Don’t expect country music and cheerleaders in 2030, but expect plenty of non-soccer entertainment. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026

With Shuon’s appointment, the leadership succession is complete at both of country music’s top membership organizations, after a period of near-simultaneous turnover. — Chris Willman, Variety, 21 July 2026

Built around Western culture, Under the Big Sky festival has become one of the marquee fests in the nation for Americana and country music since launching in 2019. — Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026

Over the course of her career, Twain has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, won five Grammy Awards and cemented her status as a country music icon. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 21 July 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