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.
The 20-year-old musician is set to become the first student to graduate with a minor in mariachi from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, one of the only universities in the country to offer such a niche specialization. — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Faith No More, who was joined by the renowned Mexican mariachi ensemble Gama Mil. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026 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 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mariachi

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mariachi

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