gershwin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Neutral to formal, used in artistic, academic, and cultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gershwin” mean?
The surname of two highly influential American composer brothers, George (1898-1937) and Ira (1896-1983).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The surname of two highly influential American composer brothers, George (1898-1937) and Ira (1896-1983).
Pertaining to the distinctive musical style, compositions, or artistic legacy of George and/or Ira Gershwin, which blended classical music with jazz, blues, and popular song forms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic differences, but frequency may be slightly higher in American cultural discourse.
Connotations
Universally connotes American musical innovation of the early-to-mid 20th century. In the US, it carries stronger associations with national cultural heritage.
Frequency
More frequent in US English due to the subject's centrality to American music history. Common in UK English within classical music, jazz, and theatre circles.
Grammar
How to Use “gershwin” in a Sentence
the [adjective] GershwinGershwin's [noun]a Gershwin [noun][verb] GershwinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gershwin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The programme had a wonderfully Gershwin feel to it.
- It's a very Gershwin-esque melody.
American English
- The score is quintessentially Gershwin.
- She has a Gershwin quality to her singing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in entertainment, publishing, and licensing (e.g., 'securing the Gershwin rights for the production').
Academic
Used in musicology, American studies, and cultural history (e.g., 'Gershwin's synthesis of idioms is a key topic').
Everyday
Used when discussing music, theatre, or cultural events (e.g., 'They're playing Gershwin on the radio').
Technical
Used in musical analysis, performance directions, and cataloguing (e.g., 'the Gershwin chord progressions').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gershwin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gershwin”
- Misspelling: 'Gerswin', 'Gershwinn'.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'Gershwins' is acceptable for the brothers, but not for multiple works (not 'three Gershwins').
- Using as a verb or adjective unrelated to the composers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a surname, but it is commonly used attributively to describe a style reminiscent of the Gershwins' music (e.g., 'a Gershwin-esque melody').
Ira Gershwin was the lyricist, writing the words for many of George's melodies, as well as for other composers.
Among his most famous works are 'Rhapsody in Blue' (for piano and orchestra), the opera 'Porgy and Bess', and numerous popular songs like 'Summertime' and 'I Got Rhythm'.
Yes, always. It is a proper noun (a surname).
The surname of two highly influential American composer brothers, George (1898-1937) and Ira (1896-1983).
Gershwin is usually neutral to formal, used in artistic, academic, and cultural contexts. in register.
Gershwin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɜːʃwɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɜːrʃwɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GEt RHYthm, SWINg' – GERSHWIN – the composer who made rhythms swing.
Conceptual Metaphor
GERSHWIN IS A BRIDGE (between classical and popular music, between European and American traditions).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a standard collocation with 'Gershwin'?