punk rock

noun

1. a type of rock-'n'-roll, reaching its peak in the late 1970s and characterized by loud, insistent music and abusive or violent protest lyrics, and whose performers and followers are distinguished by extremes of dress and socially defiant behavior.

punk rock

noun

1. a fast abrasive style of rock music of the late 1970s, characterized by aggressive or offensive lyrics and performance Sometimes shortened topunk

Derived Forms

• punk rocker, noun

Other Words From

• punk rocker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of punk rock¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Set in the anti-establishment punk rock era, the film reimagines the fur-obsessed puppy-napper as a sympathetic and even feminist figure.

From Washington Post

The only heartbreaking story is, Neil Young cleared us to use “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” for the end of the punk rock episode, but before the episode aired the series was canceled.

From Washington Post

The best, or at least most successful, are bridging the gap between punk-rock DIY ethos and social-media savvy.

From The Daily Beast

But the bands that I was initially attracted to in punk rock were anarchist punk bands.

From The Daily Beast

She was the Kathleen Hanna of Hollywood—a punk rock princess in a Barbie world.

From The Daily Beast

If you're looking for punk rock anarchy, look at Advanced Style.

From The Daily Beast

But punk rock set him on the course that led to the military.

From The Daily Beast