mariachi

noun

ma·​ri·​a·​chi ˌmär-ē-ˈä-chē 

ˌmer-

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

mariachi music

2

: the music performed by a mariachi

Examples of mariachi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So grappa would come out, or there would be margaritas and a mariachi band. —CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

Martin is interested in a variety of different art forms and genres of instrumental music; whether that is marching band, wind band, or mariachi. —Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026

Go Tejano Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will bring live performances from an award-winning singer from Mexico, a mariachi competition and an exhibition that will brings traditional Mexican folk dance, music and horseback riding. —Michael Garcia, Houston Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2026

His award-winning mariachi band, which included his brother Caleb, 14, performed on Capitol Hill in June at her invitation. —Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, perhaps modification of French mariage marriage

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mariachi

• carapace
• gonococci
• streptococci
• enterococci
• staphylococci