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

Flashes of the underworld, Family Guy-style, ensue, with flames, skeletons, demons, a mariachi band and various forms of torture setting the mood. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2026

The video of Peña belting out the song while outfitted in his mariachi regalia struck a chord with audiences online after the group posted it on social media. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Featuring traditional mariachi arrangements and Álvarez’s unmistakable voice, the four-song EP offers a fresh and emotional take that departs from the norteño and banda styles he is known for. — Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026

Portillo does not believe preserving mariachi requires keeping the music unchanged. — Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 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