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

There will be plenty of games, karaoke and live DJ sets, too. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026

Think single-serve meals at convenience stores, one-person karaoke booths, and restaurants that promise judgment-free service. —Peter McGraw, The Conversation, 23 Jan. 2026

Tin Roof One of Delray Beach’s busiest nightlife spots, Tin Roof centers on live music most nights of the week, along with karaoke, DJs, and themed events like Motown Mondays. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

Other hotel highlights include a bowling alley, a karaoke room, and the chance to craft your own bespoke journey across Mongolia, complete with off-roading adventures and the ability to explore remote areas via a small plane. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 Jan. 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