rock-'n'-roll
or rock-and-roll, rock 'n' roll
[ rok-uh n-rohl ]
/ ˈrɒk ənˈroʊl /
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.
adjective
of or relating to this music.
verb (used without object)
to dance to or play rock-'n'-roll.
Origin of rock-'n'-roll
1950–55; contraction of phrase
rock and roll; see
rock2
OTHER WORDS FROM rock-'n'-roll
rock-'n'-roll·er, nounWords nearby rock-'n'-roll
rock up,
rock wall,
rock wallaby,
rock wool,
rock wren,
rock-'n'-roll,
rock-a-bye,
rock-and-roll,
rock-bottom,
rock-bound,
rock-eel
Cultural definitions for rock 'n' roll
rock 'n' roll
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.