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

But behind the glitz was profound talent, as well as a grit and generosity that made her one of country music’s biggest stars and a beloved international icon. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 8 Sep. 2026

The death of country music, movie, theme park and, frankly, all-around icon Dolly Parton hit a lot of people hard. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

In June, the superstar made her big country music return with the evocative single. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2026

While country music will always be part of her, she’s felt disappointed by her peers politically. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 4 Sep. 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