karaoke

noun

kar·​a·​o·​ke ˌker-ē-ˈō-kē 

ˌka-rē-

also

kə-ˈrō-kē  ˌkä-rä-ˈō-(ˌ)kā 

: a device that plays instrumental accompaniments for a selection of songs to which the user sings along and that records the user's singing with the music

a karaoke machine

also : a form of entertainment involving the use of such a device (as in a bar)

Examples of karaoke in a Sentence

That bar has karaoke on Saturday night.

Recent Examples on the Web

But, coming at the end of an album that’s otherwise governed by an egalitarian teamwork-makes-the-dream-work ethos, the moment feels a bit like letting the boss take the last-call karaoke number as the office holiday party winds down—an indulgence well earned. —Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 18 June 2026

Today, Jessie the cowgirl (Joan Cusack) must fend off Lilypad (Greta Lee), an interactive tablet that can play games, sing karaoke and install existential despair. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Their home was filled with numerous instruments, a karaoke machine and two jukeboxes. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

Residents get access to a spa, a pool deck, a wine and sound bar, concierge services, a karaoke room, a VR simulator room, and beach club privileges. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from kara empty + ōke, short for ōkesutora orchestra

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for karaoke

• cloche
• gnocchi
• loci
• pokey
• smokey
• smoky

Kids Definition

karaoke

noun

kar·​a·​o·​ke ˌkar-ē-ˌō-kē  kə-ˈrō-kē 

: a device that plays music to which the user sings along and that records the user's singing with the music