folk rock

American  

Or folk-rock

noun

1. a style of music combining characteristics of rock-'n'-roll and folk music, often exemplified by protest songs to a rock-'n'-roll beat, and at its height of popularity in the late 1960s.

---

folk-rock British  

noun

1. a style of rock music influenced by folk, including traditional material arranged for electric instruments

---

Other Word Forms

• folk-rocker noun

Etymology

Origin of folk rock

First recorded in 1965–70; folk + rock ²

Example Sentences

Since releasing his debut album, “DeAnn,” in 2019, Bryan has built a jaw-dropping following—he recently set a U.S. attendance record by performing for more than 112,000 fans at Michigan Stadium—with songs that draw from folk, rock and country.

From The Wall Street Journal

The fields of folk, rock, electronica and tropical are still expanding, and artists such as Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Becky G, Fuerza Regida and Natalia Lafourcade are vying for awards with some of the most ambitious albums of their careers.

From Los Angeles Times

The closest contemporary artist would be Chris Stapleton, who, when seen live, embodies a Neil Young solo acoustic; it could be country, folk, rock.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the last 20 years, the 43-year-old singer has earned 11 Grammys and has become a household name in modern folk rock.

From Los Angeles Times

Jesse Colin Young, whose vocals as frontman of folk rock band the Youngbloods gave voice to the 1960s’ counterculture, died on Sunday at his home in Aiken, S.C.

From Los Angeles Times