outlaw country

noun

An American subgenre of country music that became popular during the 1970s, fusing older styles (such as honky-tonk) with newer styles including rock and blues, characterized by an outlaw image.

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Meanings

nounoutlaw country (uncountable)
  1. uncountableentertainmentAn American subgenre of country music that became popular during the 1970s, fusing older styles (such as honky-tonk) with newer styles including rock and blues, characterized by an outlaw image.

Origin

Often said to be derived from the Waylon Jennings song "Ladies Love Outlaws." The genre was named in reference to its rebellious attitude compared to the then-prevalent Nashville sound and the growing popularity of country pop.

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Cite this entry
APA

outlaw country. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/outlaw%20country

MLA

“outlaw country.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/outlaw%20country. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “outlaw country,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/outlaw%20country.

Source: outlaw country on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.