country music

noun

: music derived from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or of the Western cowboy

especially : popular vocal music characterized by simple harmonies, accompaniment by stringed instruments (such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, and pedal steel), repeated choruses, and often narrative lyrics

called also country, country and western

Examples of country music in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Jefferies starred as mother Jolene Barnes, to Panettiere’s rising country star Juliette Barnes on the ABC series, which premiered in 2012 and followed the lives and careers of country music stars in Music City. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 The duo starred together on five seasons of the ABC country music drama from 2012 to 2016, with Panettiere headlining the series solo during its sixth and final season in 2018. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026 The actress was also known for her leading role as rising country music star Juliette Barnes in Nashville, playing opposite Connie Britton. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 Roger is often regarded as a major figure in country music, credited for broadening the range of the genre by including elements of pop music in his songs. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for country music

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of country music was in 1926

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Style

“Country music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/country%20music. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

country music

noun

: music coming from or imitating the folk style of the Southern U.S. or the Western cowboy

country music

noun

Examples of country music in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

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