[kah-boo-kee, kuh-, kah-boo-kee] 
| 1. | popular drama of Japan, developed chiefly in the 17th century, characterized by elaborate costuming, rhythmic dialogue, stylized acting, music, and dancing, and the performance of both male and female roles by male actors. Compare Nō. |
| 2. | (initial capital letter ) Also called Grand Kabuki. public performances of this type of drama. |
| Ka·bu·ki (kə-bōō'kē) n. A type of popular Japanese drama, evolved from the older No theater, in which elaborately costumed performers, nowadays men only, use stylized movements, dances, and songs in order to enact tragedies and comedies. [Japanese, art of singing and dancing : ka, singing (from Middle Chinese) + bu, dancing (from Middle Chinese muə, wuə) + ki, art, artist (from Middle Chinese gi  , khi).] |
