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
Parton has primarily released country music in her nearly 60-year career, through has taken detours (with albums and/or songs) into such genres as Americana/folk, bluegrass, children’s music, Christian, dance/electronic and pop.
—
Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2023
Willie Nelson has two separate albums submitted, one for country and one for bluegrass.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2023
The documentary filmmaker has made films about everything from blues to jazz, bluegrass to reggae, and salsa to soul.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023
His album Bluegrass is nominated for, well, best bluegrass album.
—Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Nov. 2023
Some were these churlish rock records, others hootenanny folk records, bluegrass/country standards with Mac Wiseman.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2023
The first generation [of bluegrass] has been wiped out.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2023
The Momentary Wednesday announced the initial lineup for the bluegrass and progressive roots coming to multiple outdoor stages, courtyards and galleries the museum's campus.
—Monica Hooper, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2023
Throughout her career, she’s been drawn to dark and morose storytelling, which made the worlds of bluegrass and old-time music, two genres with no shortage of songs about premature deaths and horrific tragedy, a natural fit for a young Gerrard.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2023
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Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2023
Willie Nelson has two separate albums submitted, one for country and one for bluegrass.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2023
The documentary filmmaker has made films about everything from blues to jazz, bluegrass to reggae, and salsa to soul.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023
His album Bluegrass is nominated for, well, best bluegrass album.
—Mesfin Fekadu, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Nov. 2023
Some were these churlish rock records, others hootenanny folk records, bluegrass/country standards with Mac Wiseman.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2023
The first generation [of bluegrass] has been wiped out.
—Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2023
The Momentary Wednesday announced the initial lineup for the bluegrass and progressive roots coming to multiple outdoor stages, courtyards and galleries the museum's campus.
—Monica Hooper, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2023
Throughout her career, she’s been drawn to dark and morose storytelling, which made the worlds of bluegrass and old-time music, two genres with no shortage of songs about premature deaths and horrific tragedy, a natural fit for a young Gerrard.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bluegrass.' 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
1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing bluegrass
Dictionary Entries Near bluegrass
Cite this Entry
“Bluegrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluegrass. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on bluegrass
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bluegrass
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