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world beat

noun

: world music
—usually hyphenated when used before another noun

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of world beat was in 1984

Rhymes for world beat

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Browse Nearby Words

world's wonder
world beat
world-beater
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Cite this Entry

“World beat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world%20beat. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

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Kids Definition

world beat

noun
: world music
world-beat adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on world beat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about world beat

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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