genre

[zhahn-ruh, zhahn-r^uh]

noun

plural

genres 

1. a class or category of artistic endeavor having a particular form, content, technique, or the like.

   the genre of epic poetry; the genre of symphonic music.

2. Fine Arts.

   1. paintings in which scenes of everyday life form the subject matter.

   2. a realistic style of painting using such subject matter.

3. genus; kind; sort; style.

adjective

1. Fine Arts.,  of or relating to genre.

2. of or relating to a distinctive literary type.

genre

/ ˈʒɑːnrə /

noun

1. 1. kind, category, or sort, esp of literary or artistic work

   2. ( as modifier )

      genre fiction

2. a category of painting in which domestic scenes or incidents from everyday life are depicted

genre

1. The kind or type of a work of art, from the French, meaning “kind” or “genus.” Literary genres include the novel and the sonnet. Musical genres include the concerto and the symphony. Film genres include Westerns and horror movies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of genre¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from French: “kind, sort”; gender ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of genre¹

C19: from French, from Old French gendre; see _gender

Example Sentences

Here’s hoping the country crossover artist has another genre hop in her.

From Los Angeles Times

With a career spanning nearly four decades, American death metal progenitors Cannibal Corpse have been one of the most infamous, enduring bands in the genre.

From Los Angeles Times

Of course, no matter what genres AFI dives into, the iconic group still maintains an identifiable sound and feel that’s all its own.

From Los Angeles Times

"All of these were of the type of conspiracy theory genre, including a video stating that vaccinations cause autism," recalls Ms Frost-Smith.

From BBC

The prominence of these Christian genres, which are almost exclusively associated with white evangelical culture, worried some progressive commentators who feared their propaganda value.

From Salon

Related Words

• brand 
• category 
• character 
• fashion 
• kind 
• style