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

One of the artworks is Saturday Night which shows a rock 'n' roll piano player in action.

From BBC

"If anyone has lived the debauched rock 'n' roll lifestyle," he once admitted, "I suppose it's me."

From BBC

The work features music celebrating the legacy of gospel and blues singer Rosetta Tharpe in the development of rock 'n' roll.

From BBC

According to legend, they were created in 1959 as a panicked reaction to the popularity of rock 'n' roll.

From BBC

Set in the early 1960s, it tells the story of Dylan's rise to fame, and the conflict between his folk roots and his desire to expand his repertoire to include rock 'n' roll.

From BBC

Related Words

• popular music