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folk song
noun
: a traditional or composed song typically characterized by stanzaic form, refrain, and simplicity of melody
Examples of folk song in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But actually right here already exist many of his macro themes, in the love songs, folk songs and sentimental ballads of popular patriotism that the women choose.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 18 May 2024
Those interludes from the late ‘60s and ‘70s are nicely enhanced by delicate indie folk songs written and performed by Matthew Houck, who records as Phosphorescent.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2024
Instead, the Sami sing folk songs around a roaring fire and race reindeer in the snow.
—Avedis Hadjian, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 May 2024
Before anyone speaks, a folk song is sung and a maid sleeps at her sewing.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024
By reinterpreting traditional folk songs, Blount not only refreshes their meanings but also initiates critical discussions on contemporary issues.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2024
Madoka teaches at Madoka no Kai Japanese traditional folk song school in Osaka, Japan.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024
By one estimate, there are 6,000 shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, 550 in Lake Superior alone, including the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in 1975 and is immortalized in a folk song by Gordon Lightfoot.
—Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 13 Feb. 2024
Rodríguez’s score uses mariachi-style orchestrations, classical opera and hints of Mexican folk songs for a musical reflection of Frida.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'folk song.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1843, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near folk song
Cite this Entry
“Folk song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20song. Accessed 25 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
folk song
noun
: a traditional or composed song typically having stanzas, a refrain, and a simple melody
More from Merriam-Webster on folk song
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for folk song
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folk song
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