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

Her face was covered in tears after she performed “Ese Hombre Es Malo” backed by female mariachi players.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

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

A female quartet readied to play mariachi standards as Anamaria greeted well wishers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 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

The time you convinced me we should cook tacos and pretend to be mariachi singers for Mom and Dad’s anniversary, since their first date was at a Mexican restaurant.

From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy

A squad of female mariachis in blue soon proceeded to walk down the runway, ushering in her ranchera ballad, “Ese Hombre Es Malo.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

He recalls rushing over to his motor home, grabbing his bicycle and riding around to tell other mariachis to sign up for the housing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2024

In January, city officials found about 30 unhoused mariachis in the area.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2024

Many mariachis started living in their cars, while others moved in with family in places like Downey, Bellflower, Pomona or Pacoima, De León said, making it hard for them to get to Mariachi Plaza.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2024

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