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world music

noun
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Definition of world music

: 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 In its sixth year, Experience India is part of the larger Experience series, which highlights world music, dance and culture. — Laura Latzko, azcentral, "India's colorful cultural heritage takes center stage at MIM celebration," 29 Aug. 2019 With CDs on the way out, our brave new streaming world has proved not so hot for classical, jazz, world music and many other tributaries outside the commercial mainstream. — Mark Swed, chicagotribune.com, "Commentary: Classical streaming has arrived. How do the new services stack up?," 3 Sep. 2019 The Lowell Folk Festival transcends that stereotype and showcases an array of world music, dance, and culture. — Maysoon Khan, BostonGlobe.com, "Lowell Folk Festival is a melting pot of cultures," 18 July 2019 Lems-Dworkin not only enjoyed classical music, but Western and world music as well. — Marissa Plescia, chicagotribune.com, "Carol Lems-Dworkin, renowned pianist and music professor, dies at 95," 1 Aug. 2019 With CDs on the way out, our brave new streaming world has proved not so hot for classical, jazz, world music and many other tributaries outside the commercial mainstream. — Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: Classical streaming has arrived. How do the new services stack up?," 29 Aug. 2019 Folk and world music from Africa, Iraq, and Mexico. — Zachary Lewis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Museum of Art lifts lid on flavorful new Performing Arts Series," 22 Aug. 2019 Incidental music performed by the esteemed local composer, percussionist and educator Jeff McQuillan (of the world music band Mikata) channels a hummable theme tune through a keyboard and kazoo. — Christopher Arnott, courant.com, "A funny, slapstick ‘Merry Wives of Windsor’ from Capital Classics," 15 July 2019 Rao’s poignant words added even more urgency to an impressive night of world music. — Patrick Rucker, Washington Post, "A smorgasbord of singers delivers a timely serenade," 9 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'world music.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of world music

1982, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for world music

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The first known use of world music was in 1982

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Statistics for world music

Last Updated

22 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“World music.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world%20music. Accessed 16 December 2019.

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More Definitions for world music

world music

noun

English Language Learners Definition of world music

: popular music that is based on musical traditions from different parts of the world and that often has a rhythm that you can dance to

See the full definition for world music in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on world music

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about world music

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