emo

noun

ˈē-(ˌ)mō 

: a style of rock music influenced by punk rock and featuring introspective and emotionally fraught lyrics

In emo, the heart forever hurts, and the ultra-introspective songwriter pines for beautiful death.

—Robert Sullivan

emo adjective

The film is sensitively directed, full of emo songs and quiet little character moments.

—Kyle Smith

Examples of emo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each two-day event will feature over 100 artists spanning rock, pop punk, alternative, emo, hip-hop, ska and beyond, alongside world-class skateboarders and action sports athletes. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2026

The influential Midwest emo group initially revived their classic sound on their 2016 reunion LP, only to pivot to a gossamer, almost post-rock evolution on their third album in 2019. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026

In Young’s Monday night telling, all of this felt raw and close to the surface and not like emo shtick at all. —Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026

Performers include Glass Mansions, Chancla Fight Club and emo cover band Jimmy Eat Brisket. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

short for emotional

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for emo

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau