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

Livermore’s nightlife has also taken off, with bars hosting live rock, jazz and blues music, karaoke and comedy nights. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 4 June 2026

On the surface, the Yaima Maru offers a perfect slow-travel escape — a passenger ferry equipped with saunas, karaoke rooms and a top-deck cafe. —Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026

Throw in two wireless microphones, and the X5 turns into a karaoke machine without needing extra audio gear – a useful twist for parties, where projector speakers often don’t quite cut it. —New Atlas, 26 May 2026

The energy is the main draw here, with a second-story bar and lounge overlooking a stage where rousing live acts span rotating bands, live band karaoke, and late-night DJs every weekend. —Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 23 May 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