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

Each week features a different band, from reggae and bluegrass to blues and cumbia, all against a stunning backdrop of mountain peaks. —AFAR Media, 26 June 2025

The family performed together in a bluegrass group, and their daily life centered around faith, work and music. —Christina Coulter, People.com, 21 June 2025

Jones created an ascendant acoustic riff with a bluegrass flavor and would play it instinctively while noodling on her guitar. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 18 June 2025

The slate this summer includes, among other works, a bluegrass Onegin and a gospel Sophocles — plus Anthony Roth Costanzo, who did Figaro, will be back as Maria Callas — with tickets priced at $25 or less. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 June 2025

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
• chagas
• crabgrass
• crevasse
• eelgrass
• eyeglass
• groundmass
• harass
• impasse

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