bluegrass

noun

blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras How to pronounce bluegrass (audio)
1
: any of several grasses (genus Poa) of which some have bluish-green culms
especially : kentucky bluegrass
2
[from the Blue Grass Boys, performing group, from Bluegrass state, nickname of Kentucky] : country music characterized by the use of unamplified stringed instruments (such as banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin), by free improvisation, and by close usually high-pitched harmony

Examples of bluegrass 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.
Five-piece bluegrass and jam band combines banjo, mandolin and dobro with improvisation and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 The Welk Music Group had acquired Sugar Hill Records, and the label’s head asked fans who should record a bluegrass album — someone who had never done one before. — Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 My father was a coal miner and a talented musician who would later perform in several local bluegrass bands. — Michael Collins, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Deep within the backwoods of rural Oklahoma, charismatic and musically gifted Amziah King herds a bluegrass-playing band of misfits while overseeing the premier honey-making operation in town. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bluegrass

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bluegrass was in 1751

Phrases Containing bluegrass

Rhymes for bluegrass

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Browse Nearby Words

blue grape
bluegrass
Bluegrass
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Cite this Entry

“Bluegrass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bluegrass. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bluegrass

noun
blue·​grass -ˌgras How to pronounce bluegrass (audio)
1
: any of several grasses with usually bluish green stems
especially : Kentucky bluegrass
2
: country music played on a small group of instruments (as banjo, fiddle, and mandolin) with melody or harmony often made up by players during a performance

Geographical Definition

Bluegrass

geographical name

Blue·​grass ˈblü-ˌgras How to pronounce Bluegrass (audio)
region of central Kentucky where Kentucky bluegrass abounds that is noted for the breeding of fine horses

More from Merriam-Webster on bluegrass

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bluegrass

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