honky-tonk

1 of 2

noun

hon·​ky-tonk ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋk 

ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk

1

: a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall

especially : one that features country music

2

: a district marked by places of cheap entertainment

3

: country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune

honky-tonker

ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋ-kər 

ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋ-

noun

honky-tonk

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano

2

: marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 2