SINCE 1828
honky-tonk
noun
hon·ky-tonk
| \ ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋk
, ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk\
, ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk\
Definition of honky-tonk
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall
especially
: one that features country music
2
: a district marked by places of cheap entertainment
3
: country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune
honky-tonk
adjectiveDefinition of honky-tonk (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano
2
: marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks
Other Words from honky-tonk
Noun
honky-tonker
\ ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋ-kər
, ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋ- \
noun
, ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋ- \
noun
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for honky-tonk
honky-tonk
noun
English Language Learners Definition of honky-tonk
: a type of lively music usually performed on a piano
US
: a type of country music with a heavy beat
US
: a cheap nightclub or dance hall that often features country music
See the full definition for honky-tonk in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on honky-tonk
What made you want to look up honky-tonk? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words for Summer: A Quiz
-
- Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share honky-tonk
Resources for honky-tonk