rock-'n'-roll

or rock-and-roll, rock 'n' 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 Words From

• rock-'n'-roller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock-'n'-roll¹

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

Example Sentences

Fall in love with the garage-y sounds of Rock N Roll and you might get lost in the Grateful Dead-leaning Cold Roses.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• popular music

More About Rock-’n’-roll

What does rock-’n’-roll mean?

Rock-’n’-roll is a style of music noted for its accented beats, repetitive structure, and influence from blues and folk music.

To rock-’n’-roll is to play or dance to rock-’n’-roll music. Figuratively, it can also mean to get moving, as in If we don’t rock-’n’-roll now, we’re going to be late!

Rock-’n’-roll is a genre of music generally believed to have started in the 1950s in the United States and is popular throughout the world today. The genre was influenced by blues, folk, and jazz. Rock-’n’-roll bands typically consist of a lead guitarist, bass guitarist, lead singer, and drummer. Many rock-’n’-roll bands will incorporate other musicians, such as pianists, violinists, saxophonists, and many more.

Rock-’n’-roll is also used to describe something exciting or aggressively stylish, reflecting the culture of rock-’n’-roll, as in Tommy’s leather jacket was very rock-’n’-roll.

Rock-’n’-roll can also be spelled rock ’n’ roll or rock-and-roll and is sometimes referred to simply as rock.

Example: Doesn’t every drummer love rock-’n’-roll at some point in their lives?

Where does rock-’n’-roll come from?

The first records of the term rock-’n’-roll come from the 1930s. It is a contraction of the phrase rock and roll, meaning “to sway and turn one’s body” and was occasionally used as a euphemism for sexual activity.

Rock-’n’-roll song lyrics often discuss some type of rebellion or touch on a social subject not usually touched on in music and attempts to tell an urgent message through public image. The culture surrounding the genre is also often associated with rebellion and freedom. Like the music, it is often loud and aggressive.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to rock-’n’-roll?

• rock-and-roll (alternate spelling)
• rock-n-roll (alternate spelling)
• rock-’n’-roller (noun)

What are some synonyms for rock-’n’-roll?

• rock

What are some words that share a root or word element with rock-’n’-roll?

• rock
• roll
• soft rock
• hard rock

What are some words that often get used in discussing rock-’n’-roll?

• band
• genre
• guitar
• music

How is rock-’n’-roll used in real life?

Rock-’n’-roll often refers to the genre of music, but it can also be used to describe the culture that surrounds the music.

A man came up to me & said…

“Don’t You Think You’re TOO OLD To Be Running Around The Stage Like That,..Singing Rock n Roll”⁉️
I Said
“I Don’t Know,.. Why Don’t you Ask Mick Jagger”

— Cher (@cher) November 2, 2018

Chuck Berry was rock's greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived.

— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) March 18, 2017

It's a dream come true to be asked to open for The Mighty @RollingStones – the best Rock n Roll band EVER.

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) April 23, 2018

 

Try using rock-’n’-roll!

Is rock-’n’-roll used correctly in the following sentence?

It’s time to get out of bed and rock-’n’-roll!