zydeco
noun
zy·de·co
ˈzī-də-ˌkō 
often attributive
: popular music of southern Louisiana that combines tunes of French origin with elements of Caribbean music and the blues and that features guitar, washboard, and accordion
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The History of Zydeco
You might say that the lively form of music known as zydeco is full of beans, etymologically speaking. Legend has it that the word zydeco originated in the lyrics of Les Haricots Sont Pas Salés, a popular Cajun dance tune. Loosely translated, the song's title means "the beans are not salty," and when spoken in French Creole, les haricots (French for beans) sounds something like "zydeco." "Zydeco" first appeared in print in 1960 and has been used to describe this kind of music ever since.
Examples of zydeco in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hunter Courville & Cajun Fever performs energetic zydeco and swamp-pop anthems.
—
Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Current zydeco artists bring elements of hip-hop and country into their music.
—Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
Richards had to adjust to zydeco rhythms, as did Jagger.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
Bon Ton Roulet! is a classic zydeco album showcasing the Creole dance music of Southwest Louisiana, which blends traditional French music, Caribbean rhythms, and American R&B.
—Reya Hart, The Atlantic, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zydeco
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Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Current zydeco artists bring elements of hip-hop and country into their music.
—Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
Richards had to adjust to zydeco rhythms, as did Jagger.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
Bon Ton Roulet! is a classic zydeco album showcasing the Creole dance music of Southwest Louisiana, which blends traditional French music, Caribbean rhythms, and American R&B.
—Reya Hart, The Atlantic, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for zydeco
Cite this Entry
“Zydeco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zydeco. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
zydeco
noun
zy·de·co
ˈzīd-ə-ˌkō
: popular music of southern Louisiana that combines tunes of French origin with elements of Caribbean music and blues
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