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

It’s the birthplace of cultural collaborations like Roy Choi’s famous Korean barbecue taco truck and a neighborhood where K-pop songs are put in the same playlists as mariachi music.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 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

“Having Karol G invite us to Coachella meant a lot to me because I’m carrying out my family’s legacy of representing mariachi music on a huge stage,” Hernandez said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

Maybe it was the mariachi song with the sad trumpets that was playing on the radio, I don’t know.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

City politicians and police officials use the event to mingle with community members, who gather to see performances by high school marching bands, taekwondo students and mariachis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 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

In happier times, the facade at La Golondrina Cafe was flanked by hungry patrons serenaded by mariachis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 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