I. ˈhäŋ-kē-ˌtäŋk, ˈhȯŋ-kē-ˌtȯŋk noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1894
1. : a usually tawdry nightclub or dance hall ; especially : one that features country music
2. : a district marked by places of cheap entertainment
3. : country music that has a heavy beat and lyrics dealing usually with vice or misfortune
• hon·ky-tonk·er -ˌtäŋ-kər, -ˌtȯŋ- noun
II. adjective
Date: circa 1920
1. : of, used in, or being a form of ragtime piano playing performed typically on an upright piano
2. : marked by or characteristic of honky-tonks