mariachi

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

|Updated on: 24 Jul 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

The organization also teaches mariachi in Chicago public schools.

— caitlin o'kane, CBS News, "Mariachi band surprises Southwest passengers with mid-flight performance," 11 July 2018
Separated by 10,000 miles and many centuries, gamelan and mariachi are much more distant historically, geographically and culturally than, say gangsta rap and Gregorian chant.

— mark swed, latimes.com, "The musical view from Mexico and Bali (by way of Northridge and Santa Monica)," 20 Feb. 2018
When: June 24 Where: Loop How much: Free The skinny: This festival showcases world-class mariachi bands from across the U.S. and Mexico.

— hannah steinkopf-frank, RedEye Chicago, "Chicago festivals this week: Make Music Chicago, Logan Square Arts Festival, Pride Parade," 20 June 2018
After his victory speech, Huerta tried to usher Kennedy to another room where mariachis were waiting to play for the victorious candidate.

— russell contreras, The Seattle Times, "Busboy who held dying RFK speaks of lingering pain," 2 June 2018
Before the organization even received its 501(c)3 status, Maldonado began programming local concerts by top-flight mariachi artists to raise money.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Mariachi Herencia de Mexico turns Chicago schoolkids into chart-busting stars," 23 May 2018
For the big-dreaming but put-upon Lucha (Jennifer Paredes), the play’s central character, mariachi is connected to cherished childhood memories and bound up with a present-day mystery.

— james hebert, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Old Globe's 'American Mariachi' a vibrant ode to music and memory," 31 Mar. 2018
More than 800 Texas mariachis came to Robstown to break the Guinness World Record for most mariachis performing simultaneously.

— beatriz alvarado, Corpus Christi, "Texas mariachis take Guinness World Record from Mexico, mariachi's birthplace," 15 Apr. 2018
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

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.