rock-'n'-roll

American  

[rok-uhn-rohl] / ˈrɒk ənˈroʊl /

Or rock-and-roll,

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.

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adjective

1. of or relating to this music.

verb (used without object)

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

rock 'n' roll Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• rock-'n'-roller noun

Etymology

Origin of rock-'n'-roll

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

Example Sentences

On Saturday another will make their mark on Slane's rock-'n'-roll history spanning 40 years as headliner Harry Styles gears up to entertain a crowd of 80,000 for his sold-out show.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2023

Our trip to Langara this summer was marked by 25-mile-an-hour westerly winds, adding a rock-’n’-roll beat to the rhythm of our fishing boat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 9, 2018

Burning Guitars’ collection was bold, brash and too over-the-top for anyone but a rock-‘n’-roll frontman, while Datari Austin used fabrics that came across as a little blasé and — dare we say — cheap.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2017

Julia, I’m curious what you think of Peggy’s rock-’n’-roll entrance to McCann, which reminded me of this and was indisputably awesome.

From Slate • May 4, 2015

But last summer Mr. Shapiro spent more than $2 million refurbishing the space and installing a modern lighting and sound system with an eye toward restoring its status as a rock-'n'-roll mecca.

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2012

Related Words

• popular music