mariachi

noun ma·ri·a·chi \ ˌmär-ē-ˈä-chē , ˌmer- \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of mariachi

1 : a small, strolling, Mexican band consisting usually of trumpeters, guitarists, and violinists; also : a musician belonging to such a band —often used before another noun

2 : the music performed by a mariachi

See mariachi defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of mariachi from the Web

Dreaming of You — Tribute to Selena Featuring DJs playing Selena music, Bombon, a Selena tribute band, mariachi, dancers, Selena art and more. 7 p.m. at Warehouse Live, 813 St. Emanuel; 713-225-5483.

— joey guerra, Houston Chronicle, "Concerts in Houston: April 5-11," 4 Apr. 2018
According to the Hooks, Tejano music, face painters, Mexican candy stations, Spanish public address announcing, appearances from local mariachi bands, raspas inspired in-game contests will highlight the in-ballpark experience.

— matt young, Houston Chronicle, "Minor League Baseball going with Hispanic-themed mascots, gear," 20 Mar. 2018
After days of costume balls and mariachis and Mexican folk dancing, the fiestas culminate with the Grand International Parade.

— aaron nelsen, San Antonio Express-News, "Sister cities reflect on shared experience even as border security test ties that bind them.," 24 Feb. 2018
Gamelan music is some 16 centuries older than the mariachi, although the 20-year-old Cudamani is a century younger than Mariachi Vargas.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "The musical view from Mexico and Bali (by way of Northridge and Santa Monica)," 20 Feb. 2018
Anne Street in Detroit will host a day of activities on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Activities include face painting, live performances by a children’s Mexican dance troupe and youth mariachi, and an ofrenda for family photos.

— hasan dudar, Detroit Free Press, "Here's where to find Day of the Dead celebrations in metro Detroit," 31 Oct. 2017
The group also performed mariachi, which Dies said has changed a great deal since poor peasants performed it in a small region in Mexico, without trumpets or fancy costumes.

— sheryl devore, Lake County News-Sun, "Locals reflect on Mexico quakes at Hispanic Heritage Month event," 24 Sep. 2017
Finally, two stages will feature mariachis and local tribute bands like 16 Candles, Too White Crew and Boy Band Review, among others.

— joseph hernandez, chicagotribune.com, "5 things to eat, drink and do this weekend," 14 Sep. 2017
Miguel’s grandmother even wacks a mariachi over the head with a shoe to stop him from playing.

— judy cantor-navas, Billboard, "Disney/Pixar's Mexican, Music-Themed 'Coco' Looks Like 'Footloose'-Meets-Day of the Dead in New Trailer," 13 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mariachi.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.