rock-'n'-roll

or rock-and-roll, rock 'n' roll

[ rok-uhn-rohl ]

noun

1. a style of popular music that derives in part from blues and folk music and is marked by a heavily accented beat and a simple, repetitive phrase structure.

adjective

1. of or relating to this music.

verb (used without object)

1. to dance to or play rock-'n'-roll.

rock 'n' roll

1. Popular music combining elements of blues (or rhythm and blues), gospel music , and country and western music , and known for its strong beat and urgent lyrics. Well-known early, pioneering rock 'n' roll artists or groups include Chuck Berry , Buddy Holly, the Supremes, the Beatles , the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley .

Other Words From

• rock-'n'-roller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock-'n'-roll¹

1950–55; contraction of phrase rock and roll; rock ²

Related Words

• popular music