reggaeton

American  

[reg-ey-tohn] / ˌrɛg eɪˈtoʊn /

Or reggaetón

noun

1. a type of contemporary popular music, originating in the housing projects of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and other urban centers of poverty in Latin America, characterized by rap lyrics in Spanish and a vigorous percussive beat that rises and falls.

   mainstream artists embracing reggaeton.

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reggaeton British  

/ ˌrɛɡeɪˈtɒn /

noun

1. a type of Puerto Rican popular music that combines reggae rhythms with hip-hop influences and includes rapping in Spanish

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Etymology

Origin of reggaeton

First recorded in 2000–05; from Spanish, equivalent to reggae ( def. ) + -tón (as in maratón “marathon”); see origin at -athon ( def. )

Example Sentences

And the three-hour performance was a reminder that his global success didn't happen overnight, with him digging deep into his eight-year discography - traversing trap and reggaeton fusions.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

“The way she melds jazz with reggaeton and folkloric elements, I really enjoy,” Exposito said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

Over the years, award-winning music journalist Suzy Exposito and Director of Latino Initiatives Fidel Martinez have documented the rise of genres like reggaeton and música Mexicana in mainstream culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

It is not simply cumbia, reggaeton, alt-pop, or urbano; it carries a shoegazing moodiness, an emotional fog that makes the genre switches feel less like gimmicks and more like memories changing shape.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

My cousin Yvette played nothing but reggaeton at her party and then did a choreographed dance in an outrageous sequined outfit.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez