karaoke

American  

[kar-ee-oh-kee] / ˌkær iˈoʊ ki /

noun

1. an act of singing along to a music video, especially one from which the original vocals have been electronically eliminated.

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karaoke British  

/ ˌkɑːrəˈəʊkɪ /

noun

1. 1. an entertainment of Japanese origin in which people take it in turns to sing well-known songs over a prerecorded backing tape

   2. ( as modifier )

      a karaoke bar

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Etymology

Origin of karaoke

1985–1990; < Japanese, equivalent to kara empty + oke orchestra

Explanation

Karaoke is a type of entertainment where people sing popular songs to prerecorded music. Like the haiku, karaoke was invented in Japan. This form of entertainment is very popular in the United States, where people sing karaoke every day. It's a chance to sing a song you love without having a band: you can just get up and belt it out. Usually, the lyrics are displayed too, so you don't even have to remember the words. A lot of people would probably rather die than sing karaoke, but lots of people can't get enough.

Example Sentences

One of the worst things that can happen when you go to karaoke is not being able to find the song you want to sing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

So they dreamed up Mic Drop, an upscale karaoke lounge in West Hollywood that opens Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

His program involves a weekly discussion session for participants held at a karaoke bar in a trendy neighborhood of the US capital.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Chinese electric vehicles have become increasingly packed with unconventional features, like built-in massage seats, karaoke systems and a fridge, to stand out in a highly competitive market.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“I did karaoke with Mom at Thanksgiving a few years ago. It was that song.”

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller