folk song

American  

noun

1. a song originating among the people of a country or area, passed by oral tradition from one singer or generation to the next, often existing in several versions, and marked generally by simple, modal melody and stanzaic, narrative verse.

2. a song of similar character written by a known composer.

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folk song British  

noun

1. a song of which the music and text have been handed down by oral tradition among the common people

2. a modern song which employs or reflects the folk idiom

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Etymology

Origin of folk song

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

The traditional folk song “Billy Boy” was first transformed into modern jazz by Ahmad Jamal in 1952, and that arrangement was also played by Red Garland.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

It is named after the traditional Korean folk song about longing and separation, often dubbed South Korea's unofficial national anthem.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

While some members gravitate toward the album’s first track, “Body to Body,” which includes snippets of the traditional Korean folk song “Arirang” in it,” the more romantic “Swim” is pushed forward.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

It might be time to write a folk song about the demise of City Section basketball using the music of Peter, Paul and Mary and the new title, “Where Have All the Players Gone?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Stalin stumbled to the record player and put on a Russian folk song.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin