CultureJuly 26, 2026

ethnomusicology

eth-no-myoo-zi-KOL-uh-jee

Definition

The study of music in its cultural context, often focusing on non-Western, folk, or traditional music through direct observation and social analysis.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'ethnos' (nation or people) and 'mousike' (music), combined with the suffix '-ology' (the study of). It entered English in the mid-20th century to describe the comparative study of musical cultures.

In the news

In this article, the term describes a field of academic expertise held by the event presenter, highlighting his background in researching and preserving regional musical traditions.

Museum to host traditional Appalachian music

Read the full article ↗

irontontribune.com

Related words

bayanihan

A Filipino cultural value characterized by the spirit of communal unity, work, and…

Culture

ceili

A traditional Irish social gathering or party featuring folk music, singing, and dancing.

Culture

craic

A term in Irish culture referring to fun, entertainment, enjoyable conversation, or good…

Culture

dulcimer

A musical instrument of the zither family, typically having a wooden sound box and metal…

Culture

hymnody

The collective body, study, or practice of singing hymns, especially within a religious…

Culture

musicology

The academic study of music, including its history, forms, cultural impact, and the…

Culture

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.