Definition

Noun: 1. A genre of popular music that originated in the United States in the 1950s, characterized by a strong beat, simple chord structures, and often amplified instrumentation, especially electric guitars. 2. A broad category of popular music that evolved from rock and roll, encompassing a wide range of styles and subgenres.

Usage

• As a subject: "Rock music became a dominant cultural force in the 1960s."
• As an object: "She listens to rock music every day."
• With modifiers: "Classic rock music from the 1970s is still popular."

Examples

• "The festival featured various bands playing rock music."
• "He studies the history and cultural impact of rock music."
• "The loud, energetic sound of rock music filled the arena."

Advanced Usage

• "the spirit of rock music": Refers to the rebellious, independent, or authentic attitude often associated with the genre.
  • The documentary captured the true spirit of rock music.
• As an attributive noun (used to describe other nouns): "rock music festival", "rock music critic", "rock music era".

Variants and Related Words

• Rock and roll (also rock 'n' roll) (n): The earlier, foundational form of the music from the mid-1950s, often seen as the direct precursor to rock music.
• Rock (n): A common shortened, informal form of "rock music".
  • I prefer rock to pop.
• Rock (v): To perform or play rock music.
  • The band really rocked the stadium last night.

Synonyms

• Rock and roll: (Specifically refers to the earlier, foundational style).
• Rock 'n' roll: (Informal variant of rock and roll).

Related Phrases

• To rock out: To enjoy or perform rock music with great energy and enthusiasm.
  • We rocked out to our favorite band all night.
• Rock anthem: A rock song that has become very popular and is seen as representative of a style or attitude.
  • "We Will Rock You" is a famous rock anthem.

Related Idioms

• "As solid as a rock": While not exclusively about the music, this idiom meaning "very stable and reliable" is sometimes used metaphorically in rock contexts to describe a dependable band or classic song.
  • Their rhythm section is as solid as a rock.

Noun

1. a genre of popular music originating in the 1950s; a blend of black rhythm-and-blues with white country-and-western
   • rock is a generic term for the range of styles that evolved out of rock'n'roll.