bluegrass
UK: ˈbluːɡrɑːs | US: ˈbluːɡræs
n. 1. A type of grass with bluish-green stems, commonly found in pastures.
n. 2. A genre of American roots music characterized by acoustic string instruments (e.g., banjo, fiddle) and high-pitched vocal harmonies.
The term "bluegrass" originally referred to the bluish-green hue of certain grass species, notably Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass). By the mid-20th century, it became associated with the musical genre pioneered by Bill Monroe and his band, The Blue Grass Boys, named after Monroe’s home state of Kentucky (the "Bluegrass State"). The word’s evolution reflects a literal-to-cultural shift, tying natural imagery to regional identity and artistic expression.
Kentucky is famous for its lush bluegrass pastures.
Bluegrass music often features fast-paced banjo solos.
The festival celebrated traditional bluegrass and folk tunes.
She grew up listening to her grandfather play bluegrass on the fiddle.
The band blended modern lyrics with classic bluegrass instrumentation.