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 Meanwhile, this Wave Music Awards also included a selection of musical works in various genres like rock, folk, rap, jazz and world music. Billboard China, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2023 Desert Sol: Immerse yourself in yoga, cooking demos, educational talks and world music. The Arizona Republic, 31 Aug. 2023 McGregor’s brother, Ryan, who is the new room’s sound man and production manager, has a passion for free jazz and world music. James Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, 11 May 2023 The genre-defying group that blends rock, folk, jazz and world music with insightful lyrics and skilled musicianship — plus dancers — comes to Aurora’s RiverEdge Park Aug. 26 for an 8 p.m. show. Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2023 The band’s dazzling creations were not jazz, fusion or world music, per se, but a beguiling combination of all of them — and more. San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2023 There are only thee genres where physical media accounts for more than 10% of overall consumption: jazz, where vinyl and CDs add up to to a 24.2% share; world music, where physical media comes in with 23,4%, and rock, which still has 18.1% of consumption happening physically. Chris Willman, Variety, 12 July 2023 There will be live performances of reggae, soca, and world music. Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, 27 June 2023 Fête de la Musique, or world music day, is a celebratory holiday in the summer, originating in France, that over 100 countries participate in now. Malik Peay, Essence, 26 June 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'world music.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near world music

Cite this Entry

“World music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world%20music. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!