straight-ahead

adjective

ˈstrāt-ə-ˈhed How to pronounce straight-ahead (audio)
: relating to or being music performed in an unembellished manner typical of a given idiom or performer
broadly : straightforward

Examples of straight-ahead 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.
While subgenres like alternative and metal have thrived, straight-ahead rock has almost seemed like a museum piece, with much of its sound and energy migrating to Nashville and morphing with country. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 That record runs the gamut from straight-ahead, anthemic ragers to more tongue-in-cheek ruminations on life’s bumps and skips. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026 Those beats are equally in flux, switching between straight-ahead techno and the funky but lead-footed stomp of guaracha, adding to the disorientation. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026 Like Gauff, Steffi Graf had otherworldly straight-ahead speed. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for straight-ahead

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straight-ahead was in 1964

Rhymes for straight-ahead

See All Rhymes for straight-ahead

Browse Nearby Words

straight accent
straight-ahead
straight and narrow
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Straight-ahead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straight-ahead. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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