country music

noun

: music derived from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or of the Western cowboy

especially : popular vocal music characterized by simple harmonies, accompaniment by stringed instruments (such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, and pedal steel), repeated choruses, and often narrative lyrics

called also country, country and western

Examples of country music in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Photos from Windy City Smokeout, Chicago’s premier celebration of barbecue and country music, runs through July 12 outside United Center. — Steve Rosenberg, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

Granger transitioned from a career in country music to evangelical ministry following River’s death in 2019. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

Most of Swift’s celebrity friends lean liberal, but some of her country music friends have Republican ties. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026

The War and Treaty have been multiple nominees at country music’s two big industry awards, the CMAs and the ACMs. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

country music

noun

: music coming from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or the Western cowboy