rockabilly
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of rockabilly
1955–60, rock(-'n'-roll) + -a- connective + (hill)billy
Explanation
Rockabilly is a style of music, an early form of rock and roll. Some music experts describe rockabilly as a cross between country and rhythm and blues styles. To many people, rockabilly sounds like an old style of rock and roll mixed with bluegrass or country — in fact, the word rockabilly first appeared around 1956, from a combination of rock and hillbilly. Musicians including Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis helped to make rockabilly popular, using vocal and guitar twangs, solid rhythms, and audio effects such as echoes. Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" is an example of rockabilly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As presented here, “My Aim Is True” is every bit as explosive and exciting as the original release, an album that featured a clever blend of punk, rockabilly, pop and new wave sounds.
From Salon ● Oct. 14, 2026
Rather than rage in songs about life as social misfits while accompanied by jack-hammering guitars, the group blended the minimalism of punk with the romantic innocence of rockabilly, rock ’n’ roll and doo-wop.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
The bolo makes Lynch look a bit like “Blue Velvet’s” demented antagonist, Frank Booth, a rockabilly nightmare played by Dennis Hopper.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 28, 2025
The rockabilly revival of the next decade gave rise to renewed interested in Mr. Eddy’s work.
From New York Times ● May 1, 2024
They’re blocked by rockabilly tools in plaid shawl-collar blazers.
From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson
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