mariachi

noun

ma·​ri·​a·​chi ˌmär-ē-ˈä-chē How to pronounce mariachi (audio)
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
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.
And with a mariachi band across the road. — Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 25 June 2026 The stadium erupted with cheers and celebratory mariachi music! — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026 The festival will also feature DJ sets, mariachi, Aztec dancers, poetry, live art, food trucks, vendors and lowriders. — Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 19 May 2026 There was even a mariachi band performing underneath it, setting the tone for Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa. — Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mariachi

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, perhaps modification of French mariage marriage

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mariachi was in 1923

Rhymes for mariachi

See All Rhymes for mariachi

Browse Nearby Words

maria
mariachi
mariage de convenance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on mariachi

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mariachi

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