English · Arts & Literature
jazz
/dʒæz/
[/dʒæz/]
improvised American music
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A style of music with strong rhythms and improvisation that began among African Americans.
Example
In the smoky club, the band played jazz late into the night, each musician taking a solo.
In the smoky club, the band played jazz late into the night, each musician taking a solo.
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, first recorded around 1912 in American slang before becoming a musical term.
How & Where It’s Used
A major genre born in early-20th-century New Orleans.