mariachi

American  

[mahr-ee-ah-chee, mah-ryah-chee] / ˌmɑr iˈɑ tʃi, mɑˈryɑ 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

plural

mariachis

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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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

A mariachi band played as she danced in the middle and reunited with longtime customers.

From Los Angeles Times

Volunteers handed out toys, a mariachi band played, cops passed out stickers of badges and greeted guests as they rounded the corners, politicians ate pozole.

From Los Angeles Times

You’ve got mariachi horns on your song “A Life of Illusion.”

From Los Angeles Times

Guadalajara seeks to stand out for its cuisine, tequila, mariachis and cultural traditions.

From Los Angeles Times

Basyl is devastated at the idea of leaving the school where he plays cello in the orchestra, loves his history class and is proud to cheer on an undefeated football team and celebrated mariachi band.

From The Wall Street Journal