rock-'n'-roll

American  

[rok-uhn-rohl] / ˈrɒk ənˈroʊl /

Or rock-and-roll,

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.

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adjective

1. of or relating to this music.

verb (used without object)

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

rock 'n' roll Cultural  

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.

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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

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

And Luhrmann isn’t done yet with the story of America’s most famous rock ‘n’ roll star.

From Los Angeles Times

A chipper melodicist who never attempted to disguise his sentimental streak, Sedaka emerged at the moment rock ’n’ roll’s initial big bang started to fizzle.

From Los Angeles Times

As a songwriter and performer, Sedaka treated rock ’n’ roll as another fad to be exploited, crafting cheerful, vivacious tunes targeted at teens who’d bop along to “Stupid Cupid” and swoon to “Where the Boys Are,” to name two songs he and lyricist Howard Greenfield wrote for early-’60s pop idol Connie Francis.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• popular music