Synonyms

rock-'n'-roll

American

[rok-uhn-rohl] / ˈrɒk ənˈroʊl /

Or rock-and-roll,

noun

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

of or relating to this music.

verb (used without object)

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

rock 'n' roll Cultural

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

Etymology

Origin of rock-'n'-roll

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There was a youthful, rock ‘n’ roll vibe to the proceedings that was punk in quality but earnest in its quest to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times

She played that darn rock ’n’ roll music at top volume as a teenager, and she liked boys who drove noisy cars.

From Literature

We were experiencing the car culture, the coming of age of rock ’n’ roll, the Vietnam War.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a shared post with Jack's mum Sharon captioned "introducing Ozzy Matilda Osbourne", the newborn girl is pictured with a bat toy, a nod to a famous episode from Ozzy Sr's life as a rock 'n' roll frontman.

From BBC

When I pass a runner wearing a Philadelphia Rock ’n’ Roll Half-Marathon T-shirt, we smile and nod at each other.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023