rhythm and blues

noun

: popular music typically including elements of blues and African American folk music and marked by a strong beat and simple chord structure

Examples of rhythm and blues in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Since his buzzy arrival, D’Angelo had been anointed rhythm and blues’ golden child, destined to sit at the same table with the likes of soul giants Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Al Green. Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 12 Dec. 2025 It has long been understood that Black popular musics, from the blues to soul to rhythm and blues, take their template from what are usually called the spirituals. Literary Hub, 4 Dec. 2025 Rock 'n' roll, jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, soul, hip-hop, heavy metal — they can all be traced back to the Mississippi Delta in an incredible American journey, one of many USA TODAY is following in honor of the nation's upcoming 250th birthday. USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025 Springsteen was, and is, an evangelist for the vitality of American rhythm and blues, beginning with his days playing bar-band boogie on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Mark Asch, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rhythm and blues

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhythm and blues was in 1933

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Cite this Entry

“Rhythm and blues.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhythm%20and%20blues. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

rhythm and blues

noun
: popular music with elements of blues and African American folk music

More from Merriam-Webster on rhythm and blues

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