A2noun2K

Jazz

UK /["/dʒæz/"]/US /["/dʒæz/"]/

Definition

a type of music with strong rhythms, in which the players often improvise (= make up the music as they are playing), originally created by African American musicians at the beginning of the 20th century

In simple words: A type of lively music played with instruments like saxophones and trumpets.

Examples

  • traditional/modern jazz
  • a jazz band/club
  • **jazz musicians**
  • the rising stars of the New York jazz scene
  • How's it going? You know—love, life and all that jazz.

Usage notes

Use 'jazz' when talking about music styles or situations related to jazz music. This term is neutral and can be used in casual conversation, performances, and music discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'jazzy'—imagine a colorful, lively dance floor filled with energetic movement.

Collocations

  • live
  • cool
  • free
  • play
  • listen to
  • music
  • clarinettist
  • guitarist
  • in jazz

Synonyms

  • blues
  • swing
  • improvisation
  • music genre

Antonyms

  • classical
  • traditional

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'classical' music style.
  • Assuming all jazz is the same; variations exist.
  • Using it only to describe fast-paced music.