karaoke

noun

kar·​a·​o·​ke ˌker-ē-ˈō-kē How to pronounce karaoke (audio)
ˌka-rē-
also
kə-ˈrō-kē How to pronounce karaoke (audio) ˌkä-rä-ˈō-(ˌ)kā How to pronounce karaoke (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Race in a 5k Fun Run, jam in a street dance and sing karaoke. — Cole Premo, CBS News, 29 June 2026 His singing background comes from his mother, who ran a café that transformed into a karaoke bar at night. — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 4 July 2026 Those venues, which include an arts and crafts area, karaoke and escape rooms and a speakeasy, will replace the 1,836-passenger ship’s kids spaces. — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Have a vibey date night at the hotel's Candy Bar, complete with red velvet seating, a disco ball, a chandelier, and even piano karaoke. — Midwest Living, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for karaoke

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from kara empty + ōke, short for ōkesutora orchestra

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karaoke was in 1977

Rhymes for karaoke

See All Rhymes for karaoke

Browse Nearby Words

Karankawa
karaoke
Kara Sea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karaoke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karaoke. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

karaoke

noun
kar·​a·​o·​ke ˌkar-ē-ˌō-kē How to pronounce karaoke (audio) kə-ˈrō-kē How to pronounce karaoke (audio)
: a device that plays music to which the user sings along and that records the user's singing with the music

More from Merriam-Webster on karaoke

Nglish: Translation of karaoke for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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