charivari

noun

cha·​ri·​va·​ri ˌshi-və-ˈrē How to pronounce charivari (audio)
ˈshi-və-ˌrē

Examples of charivari in a Sentence

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.
Suffice it to say, with credentials such as this, a charivari of fashion-week regulars, media, film and musical grandees and not a few New York and London tatterdemalions showed for the September 12 bacchanal on Church Street. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, perhaps from Late Latin caribaria headache, from Greek karēbaria, from kara, karē head + barys heavy — more at cerebral, grieve

First Known Use

circa 1681, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of charivari was circa 1681

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Cite this Entry

“Charivari.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charivari. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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