: a style of rock music influenced by punk rock and featuring introspective and emotionally fraught lyrics
In emo, the heart forever hurts, and the ultra-introspective songwriter pines for beautiful death.Robert Sullivan
emo adjective
The film is sensitively directed, full of emo songs and quiet little character moments. Kyle Smith

Examples of emo 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.
Swift cited the emo wave of the early 2000s as influential to her development as a songwriter. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 While country storytelling shaped her structure, Swift said emo and pop-punk music sharpened her lyrical instincts. Bryan West, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 Notable shows taking place outside the amphitheater include pop star Alex Warren, who brings his Finding Family on the Road Tour on Sunday, June 21, to T-Mobile Center, and emo rock band Dance Gavin Dance, who plays Wednesday, May 13, at the VooDoo Lounge inside Harrah’s Kansas City. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026 The bold move presents the clingy and self-involved Ashley with a promotion and a bigger salary while the emo but opportunistic personal trainer Austin lands a gig at the country club’s health and wellness center. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emo

Word History

Etymology

short for emotional

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emo was in 1988

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emo. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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