reggae

[ reg-ey ]

/ ˈrɛg eɪ /

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noun

a style of Jamaican popular music blending blues, calypso, and rock-'n'-roll, characterized by a strong syncopated rhythm and lyrics of social protest.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of reggae

<Jamaican English, respelling of reggay (introduced in the song “Do the Reggay” (1968) by Frederick “Toots” Hibbert), a dance name based on rege, *strege a dowdy or raggedy fellow; compare rege-rege ragged clothing, quarrel, row

Words nearby reggae

regent, regent bowerbird, regent honeyeater, Regent's Park, Reger, reggae, reggaeton, Reggio Calabria, Reggio di Calabria, Reggio Emilia, Reggio nell'Emilia

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use reggae in a sentence

The Petworth Summer Saturdays feature groups playing indie-folk, reggae and other styles on the sidewalk outside Willow, a clothing and gift store.
Where to find free outdoor concerts in the D.C. area|Fritz Hahn|July 23, 2021|Washington Post
In coming up with music, I would record the piece twice as a Jazzterpiece — I recorded a straight reggae version, using Angus “Drummie” Zeb on drums.
‘Lovers Rock’—The Story Behind The Music In Steve McQueen’s Tribute To Reggae|cmurray|November 28, 2020|Essence.com
When I was in Matumbi, we said that we were going to be strictly a reggae band.
‘Lovers Rock’—The Story Behind The Music In Steve McQueen’s Tribute To Reggae|cmurray|November 28, 2020|Essence.com
John Holt is the Curtis Mayfield of the reggae and I’ve been listening to him since a youngster.
‘Lovers Rock’—The Story Behind The Music In Steve McQueen’s Tribute To Reggae|cmurray|November 28, 2020|Essence.com

Read Psalm 137, the one that was turned into the catchy reggae song “Rivers of Babylon.”
Up to a Point: Shrugging Our Way Back to War in Iraq|P. J. O’Rourke|August 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Context: Last words the reggae legend said to his son Ziggy, after telling him he had a song for him.
Tupac’s ‘F*ck You’ to a Cop and the Best Last Words|Marlow Stern|May 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Well, he does a reggae rap while wearing a bandana on his head.
It’s Been 20 Years Since Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Ryan Gosling Joined the Mickey Mouse Club|Kevin Fallon|November 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Below, British band Massive Attack performed with guest singers Liz Fraser (of Cocteau Twins) and reggae legend Horace Andy.
Nothing New Under the Sun|Justin Jones|October 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The track opens with glitchy lo-fi distortion and reggae crooning.
Praise ‘Yeezus’: Kanye West’s New Album Is an Eclectic Tour de Force|Marlow Stern|June 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for reggae

reggae

/ (ˈrɛɡeɪ) /

noun

a type of West Indian popular music having four beats to the bar, the upbeat being strongly accented

Word Origin for reggae

C20: of West Indian origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for reggae

reggae

[ (reg-ay) ]

A form of pop music that originated in Jamaica, combining elements of calypso and rhythm and blues (see blues) with a strongly accentuated offbeat. Bob Marley was the first internationally known reggae musician.