Motown

American  

[moh-toun] / 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

Example Sentences

And I didn’t pay any attention to the paperwork when I was with Motown and my name never, ever, to this day, ended up as a writer on the song.

From Los Angeles Times

The snazzy Motown rocker was one of the year’s undeniable singles, hitting No. 3 on the Hot 100.

From Los Angeles Times

Anyone who grew up in the 1960s knows there is more to the music of that decade than the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Motown and the bands that played at Woodstock.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Beatles did the same with the likes of Motown and Arthur Alexander.

From Salon

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