1 blues | Definition of blues
\ ˈblüz How to pronounce blues (audio) \

Definition of blues

1 : low spirits : melancholy suffering a case of the blues
2 : a song often of lamentation characterized by usually 12-bar phrases, 3-line stanzas in which the words of the second line usually repeat those of the first, and continual occurrence of blue notes in melody and harmony
3 : jazz or popular music using harmonic and phrase structures of blues

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Examples of blues in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kulak is a fiery blues musician with an old soul and a rock aesthetic who wows crowds with his guitar work. Chip Mccabe, courant.com, "One can’t-miss band for every day at The Big E," 3 Sep. 2019 Wardell Julius Clark will direct and Ricky Harris will music direct this play featuring music which takes place in depression-era Memphis where a young woman dreams of becoming a blues singer. Hannah Herrera Greenspan, chicagotribune.com, "Booked it! Chicago casting announcements for July 25," 24 July 2019 Rhythm-and-blues singer Lorraine Pearson (Five Star) is 52. BostonGlobe.com, "This day
in history," 10 Aug. 2019
Rhythm-and-blues singer Kia Thornton (Divine) is 38. BostonGlobe.com, "This day in history," 15 July 2019 John Lee Hooker was a blues guitarist and five-time Grammy Award winner. USA TODAY, "Mowing quest, mayo man, soybean scare: News from around our 50 states," 17 June 2019 Albert Castiglia released his most recent album in May. But putting out a new record for a seasoned blues musician was nowhere near as exciting for him as what happened in May a year ago. Trevor Fraser, orlandosentinel.com, "Blues singer Albert Castiglia composes ‘Masterpiece’ after shocking news he became a dad - 30 years ago," 4 June 2019 Cutler grew up between Stuyvesant Town, Manhattan and upstate in Margaretville, New York, raised in a family of musicians—her father is a blues guitarist and her mother was a country singer. Rachel Hahn, Vogue, "Meet the Folk Musician Who Moonlights as a Textile Designer," 11 Oct. 2018 Rhythm-and-blues musician Ricky Kinchen (Mint Condition) is 52. BostonGlobe.com, "This day in history," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blues.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of blues

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for blues

blue devils

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More Definitions for blues

blues

noun

English Language Learners Definition of blues

: a feeling of sadness or depression
: a style of music that was created by African-Americans in the southern U.S. and that often expresses feelings of sadness

blues

noun plural
\ ˈblüz How to pronounce blues (audio) \

Kids Definition of blues

1 : low spirits He was suffering from the blues.
2 : a style of music that was created by African-Americans and that expresses feelings of sadness
\ ˈblüz How to pronounce blues (audio) \

Medical Definition of blues

: low spirits : melancholy

Other Words from blues

blue \ ˈblü How to pronounce blue (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on blues

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with blues

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for blues

Spanish Central: Translation of blues

Nglish: Translation of blues for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of blues for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about blues