folk song

noun

: a traditional or composed song typically characterized by stanzaic form, refrain, and simplicity of melody

Examples of folk song in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The Northwest Arkansas Women's Chorus, previously the Bella Vista Women's Chorus, sings a wide variety of musical selections ranging from popular songs, show tunes, folk songs and spiritual arrangements to classic compositions of Benjamin Britten, Gustav Holst and Johannes Brahms. Deb Harvell, arkansasonline.com, 23 Sep. 2024 The film tells the story of a young poet and singer steeped in an ancient Moroccan form of folk song called aita, but forced to perform trashy pop songs in bars filled with abusive men. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 17 May 2024 So her team began integrating cultural practices into their conservation efforts by mentioning storks in prayer and folk songs, and adding Hargila motifs to traditional garments. Eduardo Garcia, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 Their goal was spreading folk songs as widely as possible. Daria Mitiuk Brendan Hoffman, New York Times, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for folk song 

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folk song was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near folk song

Cite this Entry

“Folk song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20song. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

folk song

noun
: a traditional or composed song typically having stanzas, a refrain, and a simple melody

More from Merriam-Webster on folk song

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!