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

Those who love bluegrass, country, Americana and folk music — or just want to kick up their heels on the dance floor or sit back to hear a good yarn — will want to head over to Old Poway Park this Saturday. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026

The celebrated bluegrass musician joined Claypool onstage during the Primus portion of his Claypool Gold show (which featured music from across Claypool’s vast catalog). —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 1 June 2026

Hear a mix of Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk and roots rock. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 May 2026

Keep your eyes peeled for bluegrass performances, and don’t forget to bring your hiking boots. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 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