soul music

noun

: music that originated in African American gospel singing, is closely related to rhythm and blues, and is characterized by intensity of feeling and vocal embellishments

Examples of soul music in a Sentence

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As a member of the Soultronics, as the 13-person touring band was called, Hamilton stood harmonizing and improvising behind the man who was crafting a new foundation for soul music. Elise Brisco, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 D’Angelo’s impact on soul music can’t be measured by charts or sales. Marcus J. Moore, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2025 The platinum-selling LP, which earned D'Angelo Grammy nominations for best R&B album and best male R&B vocal performance, marked the emergence of neo-soul, an experimental branch of soul music known for its fusion with genres such as funk, jazz fusion, hip-hop and rock. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 D'Angelo's debut album, 1995's Brown Sugar, arrived to critical acclaim and is considered one of the major works in redefining soul music of the '90s. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for soul music

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soul music was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Soul music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soul%20music. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

soul music

noun
: music that originated in Black American gospel singing, is closely related to rhythm and blues, and is characterized by intensity of feeling and earthiness

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