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

In all of her projects, Brown is committed to exploring the sheer variety of what can be done in the bluegrass realm and that openness is apparent in the eclectic lineup of the album. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026

The longtime venue specializes in intimate listening room-style performances where audience members crowd around cabaret tables to hear bluegrass, Americana, classical, blues, and jazz music. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

Born in 1947 in Amarillo, Texas, Ely is largely known for shaping modern Americana sound, with its blend of folk, country, bluegrass and rock. —Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Dec. 2025

Michigan bluegrass phenom Billy Strings and his band stopped by NPR’s Tiny Desk for a performance more than a decade in the making. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 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