mariachi

mariachi [mahr-ee-ah-chee; Spanish mah-ryah-chee] ExamplesWord Origin adjective

1. pertaining to traditional Mexican dance music, usually played by a small band of strolling musicians dressed in native costumes.

noun, plural ma·ri·a·chis [mahr-ee-ah-cheez; Spanish mah-ryah-chees] /ˌmɑr iˈɑ tʃiz; Spanish mɑˈryɑ tʃis/.

2. a member of such a band.
3. the music played by such a band.

Origin of mariachi 1940–45; Mexican Spanish mariache, mariachi, perhaps French mariage marriage; the music is said to have been played at weddings in the state of Jalisco, where it originated Examples from the Web for mariachi Contemporary Examples of mariachi

Inside, guests reported, a mariachi band played, and Kissinger was regaled with a slew of speeches.

Staking Out Kissinger’s 90th-Birthday Party

Nina Strochlic

June 4, 2013

British Dictionary definitions for mariachi mariachi noun

1. a small ensemble of street musicians in Mexico

Word Origin for mariachi C20: from Mexican Spanish Word Origin and History for mariachi n.

“Mexican strolling musical band,” 1941, from Mexican Spanish, from French mariage “marriage” (see marriage), so called because such bands performed at wedding celebrations. As an adjective by 1967.