reggae

[ reg-ey ]

noun

1. a style of Jamaican popular music blending blues, calypso, and rock-'n'-roll, characterized by a strong syncopated rhythm and lyrics of social protest.

reggae

/ ˈrɛɡeɪ /

noun

1. a type of West Indian popular music having four beats to the bar, the upbeat being strongly accented

reggae

1. A form of pop music that originated in Jamaica , combining elements of calypso and rhythm and blues ( see blues ) with a strongly accentuated offbeat. Bob Marley was the first internationally known reggae musician.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reggae¹

< Jamaican English, respelling of reggay (introduced in the song “Do the Reggay” (1968) by Frederick “Toots” Hibbert), a dance name based on rege, *strege a dowdy or raggedy fellow; compare rege-rege ragged clothing, quarrel, row

Word History and Origins

Origin of reggae¹

C20: of West Indian origin

Example Sentences

The British actor has Jamaican roots, and the wife of reggae god Bob Marley is a hero of her mother’s.

From Los Angeles Times

The Specials were one of many bands, including Birmingham reggae legends Steel Pulse, Aswad and The Clash, to play RAR gigs.

From BBC

This record has what I think is fair to call a reggae song.

From Los Angeles Times

His and Martin's mixes of reggae and hip-hop are widely credited with pioneering the hip-hop scene in Wales.

From BBC

At 280 seats, the Largo is much smaller than the high school auditorium that was regularly subjected to my bands’ takes on jazz, reggae and the like.

From Los Angeles Times