Word
bluegrass
Phoneticsblue·grass, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɫuˌɡɹæs/
UK/blˈuːɡɹɑːs/
Definitions
01music genre
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Music
n. a style of American country music played on acoustic instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and mandolin.
n. a subgenre of American roots music characterized by acoustic stringed instruments, high-pitched vocals, and fast-paced improvisation.
“We spent the whole weekend at a bluegrass festival listening to amazing banjo players.”
“The band blended traditional bluegrass with modern jazz elements, creating a sound that appealed to both purists and younger audiences.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the genre.
Synonyms
02type of grass
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical
n. a common type of grass with bluish-green stems, often grown in parks and gardens in North America.
n. a species of grass, Poa pratensis, valued for its durability in lawns and pastures, particularly in the eastern United States.
“Kentucky is famous for its beautiful fields of bluegrass.”
“The landscaper recommended a hardy variety of bluegrass for the new park because it withstands heavy foot traffic well.”
Usage
Can be countable when referring to specific botanical varieties.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” “A thrilling blend of speedy bluegrass with raw, growling energy, its lyrics are home to a splendid celebration of “mattress dancin”.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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