Motown

American  

[moh-taun] / ˈmoʊˌtaʊn /

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.

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Motown British  

/ ˈməʊˌtaʊn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of Motown

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Motown

Motown inspired musician Jalen Ngonda took home the prize for best breakthrough act, while Jim Legxacy bagged best EP for black British music, which included hit tracks like '06 Wayne Rooney.

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

According to the Motown Museum, the Del-Phis invited Reeves — then a secretary to William “Mickey” Stevenson, Motown’s Artists and Repertoire director — to join their girl group.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

She was supposed to record a cover of Jimmy Ruffin’s Motown march “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” for the movie, but the English singer Paul Young beat her to it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

Motown legend Diana Ross performed a "special song" at the 35th Brighton and Hove Pride over the weekend, which she said she had written especially for the occasion.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

The presents were always nice, but being together—with the fireplace going, and Dad’s favorite Motown Christmas album playing—was the best part.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

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