maraca

American  

[muh-rah-kuh, -rak-uh] / məˈrɑ kə, -ˈræk ə /

noun

1. a gourd or a gourd-shaped rattle filled with seeds or pebbles and used, often in a pair, as a rhythm instrument.

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maraca British  

/ məˈrækə /

noun

1. a percussion instrument, usually one of a pair, consisting of a gourd or plastic shell filled with dried seeds, pebbles, etc. It is used chiefly in Latin American music

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Etymology

Origin of maraca

1815–25; < Portuguese < Tupi maráka

Example Sentences

For “Down on the Corner,” I did the maracas and the middle solo part, then sang all the background vocals, then sang the lead.

From Los Angeles Times

“When we met in person, I felt like I had little maracas out,” Baram jokes.

From Los Angeles Times

Boys in bright shirts play pan pipes, while girls wearing molas shake maracas.

From BBC

Whether it's tapping a keyboard, playing the recorder or mastering the maracas, lots of us have probably had similar experiences of music lessons in school.

From BBC

The maker of maracas, hammocks and ceramics does not see his vote as automatically transferable.

From Seattle Times