mariachi

[ mahr-ee-ah-chee; Spanish mah-ryah-chee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

relating to a genre of Mexican dance music, characterized by trumpets, guitars, violins, and vocals, usually played by a small band of strolling musicians dressed in traditional costumes.

noun

, plural ma·ri·a·chis [mahr-ee-, ah, -cheez, mah-, ryah, -chees].

a member of a small band of strolling musicians who play a genre of Mexican dance music, characterized by trumpets, guitars, violins, and vocals.

mariachi

/ ˌmɑːrɪˈɑːtʃɪ /

noun

a small ensemble of street musicians in Mexico

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Word History and Origins

Origin of mariachi¹

First recorded in 1940–45; from Mexican Spanish mariache, mariachi, perhaps from French mariage marriage; the music is said to have been played at weddings in the state of Jalisco, where it originated

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Word History and Origins

Origin of mariachi¹

C20: from Mexican Spanish

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Example Sentences

On Memorial Day, at a charity that provided stable housing for homeless veterans, Titus was frequently recognized, pulling out a pen to take notes on what the veterans said they needed, over the loud music of a mariachi band.

From Washington Post

A mariachi band was playing outside, entertaining long lines of people waiting to apply for jobs.

From Nautilus

You might learn that the songs sound like a cross between mariachi and polka and come from the norteño folk tradition.

From The Daily Beast

Inside, guests reported, a mariachi band played, and Kissinger was regaled with a slew of speeches.

From The Daily Beast

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