reggae

Everyday

1. A kind of popular music from Jamaica, with a strong off-beat rhythm, often with words about love, peace, faith and fairness. tree →
2. (adjective use) Of or like this music: reggae band, reggae beat. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons, reggae is taught as a style from Jamaica that grew in the late 1960s; Bob Marley is its most famous singer. Children in the UK, Canada and elsewhere hear it at carnivals, like the Notting Hill Carnival in London. Reggae songs often carry messages about peace and justice. Phrases: reggae music, reggae beat, reggae band.

Examples

• Bob Marley is the most famous reggae singer. tree →
• We danced to reggae music at the carnival. tree →
• Reggae comes from Jamaica. tree →
• In music class we clapped along to a reggae beat. tree →
• My uncle plays guitar in a reggae band. tree →
• "Three Little Birds" is a cheerful reggae song. tree →

Note

Spelling: double g and "ae" — reggae. Pronounced "REG-ay". Uncountable: "reggae music", not "a reggae". Usually written with a small letter.