bebop
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of bebop
An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; probably from the nonsense syllables typical of scat singing
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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.
Jean: I would literally tell everybody to do a deep dive and start with early Miles, start from the bebop and the blues, don’t just go in.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 25, 2026
Americans were settling down, ballrooms were fading, and audiences were turning to bebop, rhythm and blues, and singers such as Frank Sinatra.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026
It was prompted by a dinner conversation, where Evangeline suggested the family could just get on Carlile's boat and "bebop up to Canada" if gay marriage was outlawed.
From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2025
Heath, who was known as Tootie, was primarily a bebop and hard bop drummer but was adept in a range of styles.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 12, 2024
Instead of emphasising the strong beats as the foot-tappingly predictable swing had done, bebop deliberately resisted, suspending the rigid reiteration of the regular pulse.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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