folk singer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal; used in everyday speech, arts journalism, and cultural commentary.
Quick answer
What does “folk singer” mean?
A person who sings folk songs, often accompanying themselves on acoustic instruments like guitar or banjo.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who sings folk songs, often accompanying themselves on acoustic instruments like guitar or banjo.
A performer, often with political or social commentary, associated with traditional or contemporary folk music; can also imply authenticity and grassroots cultural connection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form and core meaning. The associated music scenes and historical figures differ.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with the 1960s revival (e.g., Ewan MacColl). In the US, associated with 1950s-60s protest movements (e.g., Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “folk singer” in a Sentence
[folk singer] + [performed/sang] + [at/in] + [venue][folk singer] + [known for] + [song/style][folk singer] + [accompanied by] + [instrument]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “folk singer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as an adjective. Use 'folk-singing' as in 'folk-singing tradition'.]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adjective. Use 'folk-singing' as in 'folk-singing legend'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in entertainment industry contexts (e.g., 'The festival signed three folk singers.').
Academic
Used in musicology, cultural studies, and history (e.g., 'The folk singer acted as a chronicler of social change.').
Everyday
Common when discussing music, concerts, or cultural events.
Technical
Not technical; used in its standard sense within music journalism and criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “folk singer”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “folk singer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “folk singer”
- Misspelling as 'folksinger' (while sometimes accepted, the spaced version is standard).
- Confusing with 'country singer' (different genre).
- Using as a verb ('He folksings').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as two separate words: 'folk singer'. The hyphenated form 'folk-singer' is less common but sometimes seen.
Bob Dylan was a central figure in the 1960s American folk revival and is often described as a folk singer, especially in his early career. However, his work later expanded into other genres like rock and country.
All folk singers are singer-songwriters if they perform their own material. However, 'singer-songwriter' is a broader term that can include pop, rock, and other genres, while 'folk singer' specifies a genre rooted in folk traditions.
Yes, it is very common for folk singers to accompany themselves on acoustic instruments such as guitar, banjo, fiddle, or mandolin.
A person who sings folk songs, often accompanying themselves on acoustic instruments like guitar or banjo.
Folk singer is usually neutral to informal; used in everyday speech, arts journalism, and cultural commentary. in register.
Folk singer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊk ˌsɪŋ.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊk ˌsɪŋ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No direct idioms for this compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'folk' (the people) + 'singer' (one who sings) = a singer of the people's songs.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STORYTELLER (frames the singer as a narrator of communal tales and history).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is MOST characteristic of a folk singer?