bluegrass

[bloo-gras, -grahs] /ˈbluˌgræs, -ˌgrɑs/
noun
1.
any grass of the genus Poa, as the Kentucky bluegrass, P. pratensis, having dense tufts of bluish-green blades and creeping rhizomes.
2.
country music that is polyphonic in character and is played on unamplified stringed instruments, with emphasis especially on the solo banjo.
3.
the Bluegrass. Bluegrass Region.
Origin
1745-55, Americanism; blue + grass
British Dictionary definitions for bluegrass

bluegrass

/ˈbluːˌɡrɑːs/
noun
1.
any of several North American bluish-green grasses of the genus Poa, esp P. pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), grown for forage
2.
a type of folk music originating in Kentucky, characterized by a simple harmonized accompaniment
Word Origin and History for bluegrass
n.

also blue-grass, music style, 1958, in reference to the Blue Grass Boys, country music band 1940s-'50s, from the "blue" grass (Poa pratensis) characteristic of Kentucky, the grass so called from 1751. Kentucky has been called the Bluegrass State since at least 1872; see blue (n.) + grass.

bluegrass in Culture

bluegrass definition


A kind of folk music for guitar, banjo, violin, other stringed instruments, and voice; bluegrass is distinguished by rapid notes and improvisation by the musicians.

Slang definitions & phrases for bluegrass

bluegrass

modifier

: the bluegrass sound/ bluegrass mandolin by Bob Applebaum

noun

Music based on the songs and dances of the Southern Appalachians and played usually at a fast tempo by a string group

[fr the nickname of Kentucky, the Bluegrass State]