Genre (zhäNr'), n. [F. See Gender.] 1. Kind; genus; class; form; style, esp. in literature.

French drama was lisping or still inarticulate; the great French genre of the fabliau was hardly born. Saintsbury.

A particular demand . . . that we shall pay special attention to the matter of genres -- that is, to the different forms or categories of literature. W. P. Trent.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]

2. (Fine Arts) A style of painting, sculpture, or other imitative art, which illustrates everyday life and manners.
[1913 Webster]