funk

⁴funk

noun

Definition of FUNK

1

: music that combines elements of rhythm and blues and soul music and that is characterized by a percussive vocal style, static harmonies, and a strong bass line with heavy downbeats

2

: the quality or state of being funky <jeans … have lost much of their funk — Tom Wolfe>

Origin of FUNK

back-formation from ²funky

First Known Use: 1959

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue