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soul

soul

148 3.7
A type of popular music with strong emotion, like gospel and blues
  • noun
  • /soʊl/
translation icon : soul
  • In the 1960s and 1970s, high life incorporated African American gospel, soul, and rhythm and blues music.
  • soul music
  • soul singer
  • rock and soul

And it was like kind of Afro beat, neo soul, new jazz type stuff.

Examples

  • Billie Holiday, "Body and Soul": the host has given up calling this a party.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Bright light city gonna set my soul Gonna set my soul on fire

  • When Art & Soul opened on November 14, 1968, it was full of visitors.

    Academic text (2011)
  • A crossover song, a mix of soul and disco, with elements of the big band dance sound.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • We had a strong interest in African American R&B, soul, and hip hop.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The concert featured classic soul music from the 1960s that got everyone dancing.

  • Her album showcases the beautiful fusion of gospel and rhythm in modern soul music.

  • Many artists today still draw inspiration from the rich history of soul music and its impact on culture.

Idioms

The most important part that holds a group or thing together

heart and soul
  • Informal
26 3.3

In a way that shows complete energy and strong commitment

body and soul
  • Informal
9 4.5

With complete dedication and strong belief

rest his soul
  • Archaic
1 9.0

People say it to show respect for a man who has died

A person who makes parties fun by being lively and entertaining others

8.3

Act badly to get money, power, or success

Compounds

38 3.4

A person you feel a deep, natural connection with as a close friend or romantic partner

A deep, honest time of thinking about your feelings and choices

7 3.7

Food that African American families in the southern United States cook at home

3 7.9

A small area of hair just under the lower lip above the chin

soul-sucking
  • Informal
2 8.5

Making you feel very tired and empty inside

2 4.8

A person who feels a deep connection and shares your interests and values

soul brother
  • Archaic
2 7.5

A Black man who shares close friendship and support in his community

soul kiss
  • NSFW
1 7.8

An open-mouthed touch of lips and tongue to show strong feeling

stormtossed soul
  • Literature
9.9

A person who feels very upset and lost because of strong emotions

How Religious

to hymn
5.9
spiritual
10 6.3
gospel
57 3.6
soul
148 3.7
blues
85 3.4
pop music
36 1.0

Surface Forms

soul singular
souls plural

Etymology

Soul music took its name because it uses strong inner feeling from gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz, so people called that powerful, emotional style 'soul' to show its deep spirit and emotion.