K-pop

noun

ˈkā-ˌpäp How to pronounce K-pop (audio)
: popular music originating in South Korea and encompassing a variety of styles
The opening ceremony, which took place Friday in Pyeongchang, South Korea, featured several songs from notable K-pop artists as teams circled the stadium.—Kimberly Yam

Examples of K-pop 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.
In the old days, record companies sometimes packaged albums with little or no input from the artists themselves, and K-pop fans still argue over how much creative control their favorite idols really have. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 South Korean boy band has seven members performing K-pop songs. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 There will also be an open mic area and a marketplace with K-pop collectibles, albums, apparel, beauty products, artwork and fan merchandise. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 27 Aug. 2026 Plans on the table include competitive gaming showcases, community programs for creators, fan meet-ups and concert-style shows featuring K-pop acts. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for K-pop

Word History

Etymology

short for Korean pop

First Known Use

1999, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of K-pop was in 1999

Rhymes for K-pop

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Browse Nearby Words

kph
K-pop
Kr
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“K-pop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/K-pop. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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