folkways

[ fohk-weyz ]

plural noun

, Sociology.

1. the ways of living, thinking, and acting in a human group, built up without conscious design but serving as compelling guides of conduct.

folkways

/ ˈfəʊkˌweɪz /

plural noun

1. sociol traditional and customary ways of living

Word History and Origins

Origin of folkways¹

folk + ways; term introduced in a book of the same title (1907) by W. G. Sumner

Example Sentences

The lifetime achievement Grammy Award winner, who recorded primarily for children, died “peacefully” at her residence in Chicago, according to her longtime record label, Smithsonian Folkways.

From Los Angeles Times

Representatives for Jenkins and Smithsonian Folkways did not immediately comment when reached Monday by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Jenkins released her first 10-inch vinyl album, “Call and Response,” on Moses Asch’s original Folkways Records in 1957.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1966, she released her signature composition and Smithsonian Folkways bestseller, “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song,” with the children’s chorus of Urban Gateways and continued to release dozens of songs and numerous albums after that.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2011, she recorded “A Life of Song,” her 32nd album on Smithsonian Folkways and the first children’s album in the African American Legacy Series.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civilization
• development
• folklore
• habit
• knowledge
• lifestyle
• society
• way of life