rock-'n'-roll

Or rock-and-roll,

[rok-uhn-rohl]

noun

1. a style of popular music that derives in part from blues and folk music and is marked by a heavily accented beat and a simple, repetitive phrase structure.

adjective

1. of or relating to this music.

verb (used without object)

1. to dance to or play rock-'n'-roll.

rock 'n' roll

1. Popular music combining elements of blues (or rhythm and blues), gospel music, and country and western music, and known for its strong beat and urgent lyrics. Well-known early, pioneering rock 'n' roll artists or groups include Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, the Supremes, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley.

Other Word Forms

• rock-'n'-roller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock 'n' roll¹

1950–55; contraction of phrase rock and roll; rock ²

Related Words

• popular music