karaoke

ka-ra-o-ke · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A form of entertainment in which people sing along to recorded music using a microphone, with the lyrics displayed on a screen, typically in bars, clubs, or at parties.

  2. 2.

    (Attributive) Relating to or used for this form of entertainment.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    karaoke bar — A venue where patrons can sing karaoke
  • •
    karaoke night — An event or regular occasion at a venue featuring karaoke entertainment
  • •
    karaoke machine — A device that plays instrumental music and displays lyrics for singing along

Related words

See also: entertainment, microphone, singing

Etymology

From Japanese カラオケ (karaoke), a compound of 空 (kara, "empty") and オーケストラ (ōkesutora, "orchestra"), literally meaning "empty orchestra" - referring to music without the lead vocal.