reggae

noun

reg·​gae ˈre-(ˌ)gā How to pronounce reggae (audio)
ˈrā-
: popular music of Jamaican origin that combines native styles with elements of rock and soul music and is performed at moderate tempos with the accent on the offbeat

Examples of reggae 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.
The list of performers set to take the stage at the 2026 California State Fair has grown and by the looks of the lineup, there’s music to fit anyone’s mood, from popular R&B to country to yacht rock, from reggae to mariachi to tribute acts. — Allison Gibson. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026 Some house is playing reggae, someone else is playing Irish rebel songs. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 Shaggy never fit the cookie-cutter template of a reggae and dancehall star. — Rob Kenner, VIBE.com, 11 July 2026 Whether Spatial surrounds its reggae-toasting host with piles of drums, disorienting electronic beats, or locomotive rock music, Scratch abides as crooner, barker, mystic, meditation coach — whatever the moment requires. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reggae

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reggae was in 1968

Rhymes for reggae

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Browse Nearby Words

Regga
reggae
reggaeton
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Cite this Entry

“Reggae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reggae. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reggae

noun
reg·​gae ˈreg-(ˌ)ā How to pronounce reggae (audio)
ˈrāg-
: popular music of Jamaican origin that combines native styles with elements of U.S. Black popular music and is performed at moderate tempos with the accent on the offbeat

More from Merriam-Webster on reggae

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reggae

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