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.
And hey, if the superstar was feeling a little low, what better pick-me-up than karaoke with Chrissie Hynde or a heart-to-heart in the ladies’ with ennui expert Lena Dunham? — Ben Jureidini, Vanity Fair, 15 Aug. 2026 Another night on the retreat, Hilton allegedly got into a verbal tussle with a karaoke bar bouncer, causing staff to intervene and usher him away. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The Compass Rose is the indoor hub for drinking, music, and social activities like trivia and karaoke. — Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 Fifteen years later, China has more than a hundred automakers, competing for customers with such extravagant features as in-car karaoke, mechanical foot massagers, and video headlights that can project drive-in movies. — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 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

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