mariachi

American  

[mahr-ee-ah-chee, mah-ryah-chee] / ˌmɑr iˈɑ tʃi, mɑˈrjɑ tʃi /

adjective

1. 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.

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noun

mariachis plural

1. 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 British  

/ ˌmɑːrɪˈɑːtʃɪ /

noun

1. a small ensemble of street musicians in Mexico

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• mariachis
  plural

Etymology

Origin of mariachi

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mariachi mariachis

Gospel choirs, country musicians, jazz ensembles, mariachi groups, Indigenous performers, military bands and local community orchestras share stages throughout the city.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

How do you compare that to a mariachi record and then to Nelson Riddle?

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

Mexico remains one of the world’s premier tourist draws, anchored by the global appeal of Jalisco’s cultural exports, like tequila and mariachi music.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Now a seventh-generation mariachi, she is proudly challenging a musical tradition that was once passed from father to son.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

Mark and Linda are there, of course, dancing to the mariachi band that’s playing in the corner of the yard.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway

There will be horseback riders, floats and mariachis, and vendors will serve deep fried cherry burritos and cherry lemonade.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

“You are my sun and my calm,” the mariachis sang as Cruz swayed with his daughter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2025

I will remember mi Tío Santos as the life of all the family parties, the Arellano who loved to belt rancheras alongside mariachis or karaoke tracks.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2024

Others of us know him for his powerful bravado voice that rates with the best of professional mariachis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2023

The photographer arranges their whole group, even the mariachis, and Joaquin stands between Birdie and his sisters and his aunt and his parents, and he thinks of Melissa.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway