world music

noun

: popular music originating from or influenced by non-Western musical traditions and often having a danceable rhythm
usually hyphenated when used attributively

Examples of world music in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Entertainment for a wide variety of audiences includes live performances by world music bands, poetry readings, and entertainment for kids. AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025 Soka offers a wide variety of programming including top pianists, chamber music, world music, Americana, folk, jazz, a children’s series, and two series with Soka partners, the Pacific Symphony and the Philharmonic Society. Amy Bentley, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 The concept album dabbled in Latin and world music sounds and prompted her tour of smaller venues that drew criticism from fans both for a lack of earlier hits injected into the show and late start times. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025 Their repertoire includes everything from classic jazz and folk to modern pop, with a touch of world music thrown in for good measure. Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for world music

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of world music was in 1982

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Cite this Entry

“World music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world%20music. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

world music

noun
: popular music based on non-Western musical traditions and often having a danceable rhythm
world-music adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on world music

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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