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

Another was taken on his way back from a late-night karaoke session; a third had been working for the forestry department when he was arrested.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The wholesome Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes have been taught in classrooms, crooned in karaoke bars and used in U.S.-China diplomacy for decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Then he's off again, having spotted a Eurovision karaoke booth.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Since Samya's death, Stumo said his wife no longer listens to music, the family no longer holds karaoke nights and his son Tor -- once the happiest of the three -- had withdrawn into himself.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Molly recognized them from the Minetta Lane party at once, the two girls who had dragged Anat and her into karaoke.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny