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

Example Sentences

Just three months after rock ’n’ roll legend Ozzy Osbourne died at age 76, a new documentary will shed light on his final days.

From Los Angeles Times

“Tonight we’re rock ‘n’ roll stars.”

From Los Angeles Times

Records went platinum within months and spun off three Top 10 singles in “That’s Rock ’n’ Roll,” “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “Hey Deanie”; Cassidy was even nominated for best new artist at the Grammy Awards in 1978, where he turned up onstage in a white pantsuit at age 19 for a bum-waggling rendition of “That’s Rock ’n’ Roll.”

From Los Angeles Times

What do you see when you watch the kid singing “That’s Rock ’n’ Roll” at the Grammys?

From Los Angeles Times

No-one knows more about all that than actual rock 'n' roll knights of the realm, Sirs Elton John and Paul McCartney who both feature in the new film.

From BBC

Related Words

• popular music