noun used as a loose categorisation of (initially) black urban youth culture, encompassing breakdancing, graffiti art, DJing and rap music; used as an umbrella for any music, especially dance and rap-music, that falls within the general style; any fashion or style that is defined by association with the culture. Combining HIP (fashionable) and HOP (dance); like ROCK 'N' ROLL before it, 'hip-hop' is an American phenomenon that has had a worldwide impact US, 1982