country and western: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Essentially yes, but 'country and western' is a more specific, slightly dated term that highlights the genre's dual origins. 'Country music' is the broader, more common modern term.

Yes, it is commonly used attributively (e.g., a country and western singer, a country and western bar). It is not typically used predicatively ('The music is country and western' is less common than '...is country').

The 'western' part refers to the influence of music from the Western United States, particularly cowboy ballads and Western swing, which merged with the Appalachian 'country' music traditions.

Yes, it is recognised internationally, often in the context of music genres. However, local languages may have adopted the English term 'country' more readily than the full 'country and western'.

A genre of popular music originating in the Southern and Western United States, characterized by ballads, dance tunes, and simple harmonies, often featuring string instruments like guitars, fiddles, and banjos.

Country and western is usually informal, sometimes neutral in cultural/arts contexts. in register.

Country and western: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkʌn.tri ən ˈwes.tən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkʌn.tri ən ˈwes.tɚn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.