doo-wop

noun

ˈdü-ˌwäp 

: a vocal style of rock and roll characterized by the a cappella singing of nonsense syllables in rhythmical support of the melody

Examples of doo-wop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the last 50 years, Clinton has evolved with the times, riding the waves of doo-wop, Motown, rock ’n roll, psychedelic rock, experimental jazz, hip-hop and everything in between. — Kyle Eustice, VIBE.com, 2 July 2026

The pair eventually recruited their children to take part in the act, specializing in doo-wop and other '50s music. — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

Dangerous Woman was almost called Moonlight, after the doo-wop inspired ballad that opens the album. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026

Though Book of Love took their band name from the Monotones’ 1957 doo-wop hit, their electronic take on the sound was more reminiscent of Motown’s Holland-Dozier-Holland. — Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from nonsense syllables typical of the style

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for doo-wop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop