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.
Grassy winter weeds, such as annual bluegrass, are more narrow and grass-like with parallel veins, says Waltz. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025 Make sure to go on a night when the Moondogs bluegrass band is performing with washboards and fiddles. Megan Margulies, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025 The event features a community sing-along of American spirituals, folk songs and bluegrass favorites, hosted by conductor and composer John Yankee with musicians from the San Diego Bluegrass Society, Mission Bay High School and PB Community Choir. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025 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, 6 Oct. 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 22 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

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