mariachi

[mahr-ee-ah-chee, mah-ryah-chee]

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.

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

/ ˌmɑːrɪˈɑːtʃɪ /

noun

1. a small ensemble of street musicians in Mexico

Word History and Origins

Origin of mariachi¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mariachi¹

C20: from Mexican Spanish

Example Sentences

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.

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A mariachi singer serenaded De Paz as she arrived back home.

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Jeffries appears to wear a sombrero as mariachi music plays in the background.

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Every 10 minutes or so, a gong rang and an announcer proclaimed a new act was set to start — a magic show, a mariachi, a wandering gorilla.

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For the 79th year, mariachi musicians, waving Mexican flags and shouts of “Viva Mexico,” flooded Cesar Chavez Avenue in East Los Angeles on Sunday for the annual Mexican Independence Day parade and celebration.

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