rock-'n'-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.
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rock-'n'-roll
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rock 'n' roll
rock 'n' rollPopular 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.
rock-'n'-roll
American
[rok-uhn-rohl]
/ ˈrɒk ənˈroʊl /
Or
rock-and-roll,
noun
adjective
verb (used without object)
rock 'n' roll
Cultural
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of rock-'n'-roll
1950–55; contraction of phrase rock and roll; see 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.
See Examples For:
The notion that he was a clever enough fellow to come up with the ideal name for a rock-’n’-roll jukebox, while flattering, was impossible.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
On Saturday another will make their mark on Slane's rock-'n'-roll history spanning 40 years as headliner Harry Styles gears up to entertain a crowd of 80,000 for his sold-out show.
From BBC ● Jun. 10, 2023
Burning Guitars’ collection was bold, brash and too over-the-top for anyone but a rock-‘n’-roll frontman, while Datari Austin used fabrics that came across as a little blasé and — dare we say — cheap.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2017
Julia, I’m curious what you think of Peggy’s rock-’n’-roll entrance to McCann, which reminded me of this and was indisputably awesome.
From Slate ● May 4, 2015
Her new album, “The Firewatcher’s Daughter,” veers into more rock-’n’-roll terrain but still has gentle, cathartic moments of balladry, most notably on the Laurel Canyon-folk-influenced single “The Eye.”
From New York Times ● Mar. 5, 2015
Hosted by Grand Performances in DTLA, the Aug. 22 tribute night will feature archival footage and conversations with family members to discuss the teenage star’s identity and belonging in rock ‘n’ roll history.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
"When you put music on for him he won't stop singing -- bachata, rock 'n' roll, anything noisy."
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
The opener, “Rockin’ Shopping Center,” is an ode to sterile suburban hangouts and it’s loaded with early rock ’n’ roll touches—twangy guitars, a strong backbeat and a meaty bassline.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
We’re at a moment when a lot of foundational rock ’n’ roll figures — Are dying.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026
You probably still think about silly things like the latest fashions or what the newest rock ’n’ roll song is.
From "The Red Umbrella" by Christina Gonzalez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
