honky-tonk

1 of 2

noun

hon·​ky-tonk ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋk How to pronounce honky-tonk (audio)
ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk
1
: a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall
especially : one that features country music
2
: a district marked by places of cheap entertainment
3
: country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune
honky-tonker
ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋ-kər How to pronounce honky-tonk (audio)
ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋ-
noun

honky-tonk

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano
2
: marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of honky-tonk was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near honky-tonk

Cite this Entry

“Honky-tonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honky-tonk. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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