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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• punk rocker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of punk rock

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

punk rock

His presence now means leaning more often into classic punk rock.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

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

"We were trying to form a new type of music which used influences from reggae and punk rock and funk and whatever," Panter said.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

The program’s first film will be the documentary “Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt,” which debuted last year at South by Southwest and chronicles the history of the punk rock band.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

She took me to see a punk rock band, helped me pick out Doc Martens and she and her friend, Daragh, made a video for my students.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers