Motown

[moh-toun]

noun

1. Also called Motown sound. an upbeat, often pop-influenced style of rhythm and blues associated with the city of Detroit and with numerous Black vocalists and vocal groups since the 1950s, characterized by compact, danceable arrangements.

2. a nickname for Detroit, Michigan.

Motown

/ ˈməʊˌtaʊn /

noun

1. music combining rhythm and blues and pop, or gospel rhythms and modern ballad harmony

Word History and Origins

Origin of Motown¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from Motown, proprietary name for records released by the Motown Record Corporation of Detroit, Michigan, shortened from Motor Town, in reference to Detroit's major role as a motor vehicle producer

Word History and Origins

Origin of Motown¹

C20: from Motown Records of Detroit; from Mo ( tor ) Town, a nickname for Detroit, Michigan, centre of the US car industry

Example Sentences

In 2006, a Super Bowl held in the heart of Detroit — the birthplace of Motown — rolled out the Rolling Stones, who are from London.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond water ice, they offer popcorn, soft serve, and the Motown Twist — a playful combo of soft serve and water ice.

From Salon

I grew up on Motown and Bob Marley.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve taken a couple of cross-country trips, and I love putting on Motown.

From Los Angeles Times

He found a surrogate father in Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, and became an architect of the famous Motown sound.

From Los Angeles Times