Porgy and Bess

[ pawr-gee uh n bes ]
/ ˈpɔr gi ən ˈbɛs /

noun

an opera (1935) with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin.

Cultural definitions for porgy and bess

Porgy and Bess
[ (pawr-gee) ]

An opera with music by George Gershwin. It depicts life in the African-American community of Charleston, South Carolina. Porgy is a handicapped beggar who protects Bess, only to have her leave town with a rival. The songs “Summertime” and “It Ain't Necessarily So” are from Porgy and Bess.