bluegrass

noun

blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras 

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

The producers hope to remind listeners’ of how much country, bluegrass, and Americana owe the Stanley Brothers, who also influenced artists from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2026

Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio and bluegrass star Billy Strings are joining forces for two special concerts this fall, with both artists backed by the Trey Anastasio Band and all proceeds benefiting Anastasio’s Divided Sky Foundation. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026

As the hits dried up in the 2000s, Parton turned toward the music of her youth, said Rolling Stone, recording bluegrass and gospel songs. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026

Five-piece bluegrass and jam band combines banjo, mandolin and dobro with improvisation and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bluegrass

• Kentucky bluegrass
• rough bluegrass

Rhymes for bluegrass

• alas
• amass
• bromegrass
• bypass
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse
• jackass

Kids Definition

bluegrass

noun

blue·​grass -ˌgras 

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 

region of central Kentucky where Kentucky bluegrass abounds that is noted for the breeding of fine horses