punk rock

American  

noun

1. a type of rock-'n'-roll, reaching its peak in the late 1970s and characterized by loud, insistent music and abusive or violent protest lyrics, and whose performers and followers are distinguished by extremes of dress and socially defiant behavior.

---

punk rock British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: punk.  a fast abrasive style of rock music of the late 1970s, characterized by aggressive or offensive lyrics and performance

---

Other Word Forms

• punk rocker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of punk rock

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

punk rock

The American model is also a musician, known for being the lead vocalist and songwriter of the punk rock band Nasty Cherry, which was formed by Charli XCX.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

It’s just one of many shows taking place from Pomona to Palm Desert, heralding a Latino-led youth revival where the freewheeling movement of mosh pits meets the raw power of punk rock: Inland Empire hardcore.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

Members of the Adolescents, the Vandals and Social Distortion are profiled about their wild contributions to punk rock in new book ‘Tearing Down the Orange Curtain,’ out May 20.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 18, 2026

The punk rock republican says he can be the "Kingmaker" as Plaid Cymru looks to lead the next Welsh government with Rhun ap Iorwerth as first minister.

From BBC ● May 10, 2026

Furthermore, I thought I would have time to make a preshow mix in which the odd-numbered tracks are punk rock and the even-numbered tracks are from musicals.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan