bluegrass

American  

[bloo-gras, -grahs] / ˈbluˌgræs, -ˌgrɑs /

noun

1. any grass of the genus Poa, as the Kentucky bluegrass, P. pratensis, having dense tufts of bluish-green blades and creeping rhizomes.

2. country music that is polyphonic in character and is played on unamplified stringed instruments, with emphasis especially on the solo banjo.

3. the Bluegrass. Bluegrass Region.

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bluegrass British  

/ ˈbluːˌɡrɑːs /

noun

1. any of several North American bluish-green grasses of the genus Poa , esp P. pratensis ( Kentucky bluegrass ), grown for forage

2. a type of folk music originating in Kentucky, characterized by a simple harmonized accompaniment

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bluegrass Cultural  

1. A kind of folk music for guitar, banjo, violin, other stringed instruments, and voice; bluegrass is distinguished by rapid notes and improvisation by the musicians.

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Etymology

Origin of bluegrass

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55; blue + grass

Explanation

Bluegrass is a type of country music that's quick and lively. Bluegrass is played with banjos and guitars. About a hundred years ago, William Smith Monroe was born near Rosine, Kentucky. His style of music, which we call bluegrass today, probably got its name from the name of his band, the Blue Grass Boys, which was in turn named after his home state of Kentucky, the Bluegrass State. Bluegrass is similar to other country music with the exception of tempo: it's much faster. This makes bluegrass popular as dance music — bluegrass makes you want to move your feet.

Example Sentences

Stewart didn’t go for polyester suits or arenas, preferring the rough and rowdy “skull orchards” around Fort Pierce where he could alternate between hillbilly rock and progressive bluegrass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

He's a massive Steelers fan, a music obsessive, and has played mandolin and guitar in bluegrass and country-rock bands in Brooklyn, Mexico City, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

The Porter Wagoner Show came next, followed by cross-over to pop music, movies, a network television show, award-winning collaborations with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, and landmark bluegrass albums.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2026

One surely gratifying endorsement for this banjo-driven country shuffle: In 1999, Dolly Parton cut a version of “Travelin’ Prayer” to open the first volume in her acclaimed trilogy of bluegrass albums.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2025

“Just listening to music. There are legendary grandparents who dance to anything bluegrass or old-school country music.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith