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.
Shimabukuro, from Hawaii, will be performing his music that mixes jazz, blues, funk, rock, bluegrass, classical, folk and flamenco. — Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2026 The festival hosts acts covering pop, EDM, rock, bluegrass, hip-hop and many genres in between. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 Schwartz wants to get as many bands on the bill as possible, with a wide variety of genres represented, from bluegrass and punk to cumbia and Afrobeat — all genres of bands that have already applied. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 9 June 2026 East Tennessee State University has an actual course in bluegrass. — Holly Gleason, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 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

See All Rhymes for bluegrass

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 7 Jul. 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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