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

“You don’t have to be afraid of the same references, of this sound, this type of music. It’s not just reggaeton or just rap.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

At the gate, Venezuelan and U.S. officials, lawmakers, Miami influencers and journalists mingled over cafecitos and arepas as a DJ played reggaeton.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“Forever wild, forever free … Latina foreva,” she recited from backstage, kicking off her set with the slinky reggaeton number of the same name — exalting the primordial goddess that lives inside every Latina.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Medina stopped by the vintage market organized by Bichota Records to channel the reggaeton star's signature look.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 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