world music

noun

: popular music originating from or influenced by non-Western musical traditions and often having a danceable rhythm
usually hyphenated when used attributively

Examples of world music in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Listen to world music ensemble Constantinople and watch traditional performances by the Nomad Dancers. Fritz Hahn, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 African music has steadily been making inroads in the U.S. music market, with world music — which includes Afrobeats, K-pop and more — seeing the most growth compared to other genres according to Luminate’s 2023 year-end report that was released last week. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2024 At 9 years old, Calloway first learned of Truth’s legacy from his mother, who considered Truth her personal hero and named an all-women world music band after her. Cynthia Greenlee, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Love world music with intricate melodies, groovy rhythms, and deep, powerful lyrics with a message of unity and love? Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Leah Rosenthal, the society’s artistic director since April 2020, books all the concerts at both of the center’s venues, including classical, jazz, dance, world music and lectures. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2024 Di Meola has also explored world music, including Brazilian, African, flamenco, tango and Middle Eastern. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 28 Sep. 2023 In addition to dancehall/reggae, soca, salsa, and other Caribbean and world music forms have appeared on the WCMF stage. Melissa Noel, Essence, 28 Nov. 2023 The Portuguese singer explores her origins and identity in her work, combining traditional fado with a modern flair composed of jazz and world music. Steven Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'world music.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of world music was in 1982

Dictionary Entries Near world music

Cite this Entry

“World music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world%20music. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

world music

noun
: popular music based on non-Western musical traditions and often having a danceable rhythm
world-music adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on world music

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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