country music

noun

: music derived from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or of the Western cowboy
especially : popular vocal music characterized by simple harmonies, accompaniment by stringed instruments (such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, and pedal steel), repeated choruses, and often narrative lyrics

called also country, country and western

Examples of country 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.
However, the campaign kicked off just a day or so prior to the death of Dolly Parton, the cultural icon and country music superstar who also happened to be Cyrus’ godmother. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2026 Its most famous building is arguably Gruene Hall, the legendary honky-tonk where country music stars from George Strait to Townes Van Zandt and Willie Nelson have graced the stage. — Gabi De La Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026 The Dolly Parton Estate has announced two DollyFest celebrations in honor of the late country music icon set for 2027 in Nashville and London, England. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 But there are artists in country music who have at least some of that same Dolly sparkle. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for country music

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of country music was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

country mile
country music
country of origin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Country music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/country%20music. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

country music

noun
: music coming from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or the Western cowboy

More from Merriam-Webster on country music

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about country music

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