country music

noun

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of country music

: 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

See country music defined for English-language learners

See country music defined for kids

Recent Examples of country music from the Web

Ludacris didn't attend the show, but others from outside of country music were in the house, from Kelly Clarkson to Backstreet Boys, who both performed at the show.

— mesfin fekadu, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Underwood makes history again, Shelton wins top CMT Award," 7 June 2018
The legends of country music congregated in Nashville Wednesday for a night of melody and a mixed bag of fashion at the CMT Music Awards.

— carolina gonzales, Houston Chronicle, "Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson hit up the CMT Music Awards: Best and worst dressed celebrities," 6 June 2018
Refinery29: What does success in country music look like for you?

— refinery29.com, "Rihanna Songwriter Priscilla Renea Is Ready To Break Out," 1 June 2018
As one of the brightest young talents in country music, on her own and as part of the Pistol Annies with Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley, Monroe has already found her wings as an artist.

— Philly.com, "Album reviews: Ashley Monroe, Willie Nelson, Okkervil River," 26 Apr. 2018
Gill, one of the most likable powerhouses in country music, is known for his guitar prowess -- the guy can really play -- and his pure tenor voice.

— mary colurso, AL.com, "Is it really the Eagles without Glenn Frey? Yes, but ...," 20 Apr. 2018
The next big thing in country music could come from Palm Beach, of all places.

— jose lambiet, miamiherald, "Palm Beacher to play with Jimmy Buffett at concert with Eagles | Miami Herald," 18 Apr. 2018
But his influence on decades of enduring and deep country music was inestimable.

— andrew dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Corsicana creates a Lefty Frizzell festival," 23 May 2018
Paddock opened fire from his suite on the 32nd floor of the Mandaly Bay Hotel onto a crowd attending a country music festival on the Las Vegas strip.

— ralph ellis, CNN, "Las Vegas shooter's house had empty closets, no bed frames, search warrant says," 23 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'country music.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of country music

1942

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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COUNTRY MUSIC Defined for English Language Learners

country music

noun

Definition of country music for English Language Learners

: a style of music that developed in the southern and western U.S. and that often contains lyrics relating to the lives of people who live in the country

COUNTRY MUSIC Defined for Kids

country music

noun

Definition of country music for Students

: a style of music that developed in the southern and western United States, that is similar to folk music, and that often has lyrics about people who live in the country