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Glite Dictionary
mariachi

mariachi

19 8.2
A group of Mexican musicians who play traditional songs with guitars and trumpets
  • noun
  • /ˌmɑːriˈɑːtʃi/
translation icon : mariachi
  • Among them was this workshop for mariachi educators sponsored by Yamaha Corporation of America and Villanova (Pennsylvania) University.
  • mariachi music
  • mariachi band
  • mariachi ensemble

But I go out there and it's a full mariachi band singing Happy Birthday to me.

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Examples

  • I may have hired a mariachi band.

    Zookeeper (2011)

  • I listened to a mariachi group performing traditional music in the park.

  • But I go out there and it's a full mariachi band singing Happy Birthday to me.

    Late Night with Seth Meyers

  • The influence of the mariachi has extended far beyond our borders.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The music educators also learned to play traditional mariachi instruments.

    Academic text (2008)

  • There are the Sonoran hot dog stands and the mariachi bands.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Latino artisans are employed in the construction industry, and musicians play in mariachi bands for hire.

    Academic text (2009)

  • Traditionally, the mariachi ensembles featured male musicians dressed like peons in white muslin shirts and pants.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Increasingly, music programs are offering alternative ensembles to meet changing needs (e.g., mariachi, rock, jazz, salsa, and drumming ensembles).

    Academic text (2006)

  • The lively mariachi band played cheerful songs at the wedding reception.

Synonyms

banda
vsmariachi
  • US
5.8

A group of musicians who play lively Latin American music

is narrower, specific to Mexican street tradition with strings and trumpets

Surface Forms

mariachi singular
mariachis plural

Etymology

Mariachi may come from the French word mariage 'marriage', because these bands often played at weddings, which makes an easy memory: think 'wedding music'. Some people say the name instead comes from an old local word for music, but either way it now means a Mexican band that plays lively traditional songs at parties and celebrations.