folk song

noun

Synonyms of folk songnext
: a traditional or composed song typically characterized by stanzaic form, refrain, and simplicity of melody

Examples of folk song in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Collaborative Latin duo provides a mix of electronic and indie-folk songs that explore longing and love. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Alongside these folk songs, there are needle drops from Van Morrison, Dean Martin and Mick Jagger. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 My interest came from learning folk songs, memorable stories passed down over the generations in an oral sense before the American music business cut it up and started handing out ownership of copyrights and publishing. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Avie Lee filled the family's two-room home with music by singing hymns, folk songs and traditional mountain music. — Devarrick Turner, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for folk song

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folk song was in 1843

Rhymes for folk song

See All Rhymes for folk song

Browse Nearby Words

folk society
folk song
folk state
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Folk song.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20song. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

folk song

noun
: a traditional or composed song typically having stanzas, a refrain, and a simple melody

More from Merriam-Webster on folk song

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for folk song

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folk song

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All