cabaret

noun

cab·​a·​ret ˌka-bə-ˈrā How to pronounce cabaret (audio)
ˈka-bə-ˌrā
Synonyms of cabaret
1
archaic : a shop selling wines and liquors
2
a
: a restaurant serving liquor and providing entertainment (as by singers or dancers) : nightclub
b
: the show provided at a cabaret

Examples of cabaret in a Sentence

a singing superstar who got her start singing in the cabarets of New York City
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The comedian has built her career by wringing laughs out of a compulsion to share her own worst thoughts about her body, life, and career through the lens of a glamorous cabaret diva. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026 According to the GoFundMe, the proceeds will be used to issue micro-grants and funding to Philadelphia's drag and cabaret performers through an application process and committee decision. Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 The music is a mixture of autobiography sung in a way that drifts between opera, cabaret and Edith Piaff. John Bleasdale, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 Every July, a few thousand devotees descend on Mosswood Park for a weekend that feels equal parts punk festival, comedy show and a John Waters cabaret extravaganza. Julian Le Ballister, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cabaret

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French dialect (Picard or Walloon), from Middle Dutch, alteration of cambret, cameret, from Middle French dialect (Picard) camberete small room, ultimately from Late Latin camera — more at chamber

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cabaret was in 1655

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cabaret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cabaret. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

cabaret

noun
cab·​a·​ret ˌkab-ə-ˈrā How to pronounce cabaret (audio)
ˈkab-ə-ˌrā

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