bluegrass
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a style of American country music played on acoustic instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and mandolin.
a subgenre of American roots music characterized by acoustic stringed instruments, high-pitched vocals, and fast-paced improvisation.
Simple“We spent the whole weekend at a bluegrass festival listening to amazing banjo players.”
In context“The band blended traditional bluegrass with modern jazz elements, creating a sound that appealed to both purists and younger audiences.”
UsageUsually uncountable when referring to the genre.
Synonymsfolk musicroots music - 02 C1 Advanced
a common type of grass with bluish-green stems, often grown in parks and gardens in North America.
a species of grass, Poa pratensis, valued for its durability in lawns and pastures, particularly in the eastern United States.
Simple“Kentucky is famous for its beautiful fields of bluegrass.”
In context“The landscaper recommended a hardy variety of bluegrass for the new park because it withstands heavy foot traffic well.”
UsageCan be countable when referring to specific botanical varieties.
Synonymsmeadow grass
“The first bluegrass album in more than 22 years to debut at the top of the US album sales chart, it confirmed him as the genre’s biggest crossover star in decades.”
From blue + grass, from the bluish appearance of the massed grass in late Spring.
From the band Blue Grass Boys, led by Bill Monroe; bluegrass is first attested in print in reference to the genre of music in 1956.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.