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

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

But he adds that mariachi, ubiquitous in Mexico and L.A., is also an integral part of Venezuelan culture.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026

Now a seventh-generation mariachi, she is proudly challenging a musical tradition that was once passed from father to son.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026

Mark and Linda are there, of course, dancing to the mariachi band that’s playing in the corner of the yard.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway

“You are my sun and my calm,” the mariachis sang as Cruz swayed with his daughter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2025

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

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

Others of us know him for his powerful bravado voice that rates with the best of professional mariachis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2023

For Marfa’s mother It’s the music, The mariachis With their Guitar, trumpets, And the romance Of two violins.

From "Neighborhood Odes" by Gary Soto