: 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.
Youthful angst and autobiographical detail are fodder for creative inspiration on Joe Sutkowski’s cathartic third album of emo and slowcore. Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026 Cardi, who popped up for a quick cameo during Bad Bunny's Halftime Show and is about to embark on her Little Miss Drama tour, was in the Bay Area to celebrate the big game and attended a Fanatics pre-party looking like a 2000s emo girl-gone-2026. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 9 Feb. 2026 Valentine’s Day Edition For emo millennials ready to break out the black eyeliner and Doc Martens — whether with friends or a significant other — this may be the spot. Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026 Our second Bailey in a row seems like the yassified version of brunette emo Bailey, who lasted only half of last season. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Emo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emo. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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