bluegrass

noun

blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras How to pronounce bluegrass (audio)
1
: any of several grasses (genus Poa) of which some have bluish-green culms
especially : kentucky bluegrass
2
[from the Blue Grass Boys, performing group, from Bluegrass state, nickname of Kentucky] : country music characterized by the use of unamplified stringed instruments (such as banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin), by free improvisation, and by close usually high-pitched harmony

Examples of bluegrass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Check out all of these and more in Billboard‘s roundup of some of the best country, bluegrass and/or Americana songs of the week below. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025 Tyler uses melodic foundations to launch exploratory journeys, with nods to his training in bluegrass and classical music. John Briley, Outside, 28 Sep. 2025 For cool-season grasses such as bluegrass, fescue, or rye grass, the most root growth happens in early fall. Charlotte Germane, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2025 That Friday, Taylor and his wife Kindra went to Raleigh for a bluegrass festival, but the trip quickly turned dire. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bluegrass

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bluegrass was in 1751

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Bluegrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluegrass. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bluegrass

noun
blue·​grass -ˌgras How to pronounce bluegrass (audio)
1
: any of several grasses with usually bluish green stems
especially : Kentucky bluegrass
2
: country music played on a small group of instruments (as banjo, fiddle, and mandolin) with melody or harmony often made up by players during a performance

Geographical Definition

Bluegrass

geographical name

Blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras How to pronounce Bluegrass (audio)
region of central Kentucky where Kentucky bluegrass abounds that is noted for the breeding of fine horses

More from Merriam-Webster on bluegrass

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