English Reference

Word

cabaret

US/ˌkæbɝˈeɪ/

UK/kˈæbəɹˌeɪ/

Definition

n. a type of entertainment with singing, dancing, and comedy that happens in a restaurant or club. You usually watch the show while sitting at a table and having a drink or a meal.

n. a form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, or drama, typically performed in a venue where the audience sits at tables. Often associated with a sophisticated or satirical atmosphere.

Examples

“We spent the evening at a cabaret in the city center.”

“The hotel lounge transforms into a cabaret every Friday night, featuring local singers and jazz musicians.”

“The performance combined elements of traditional cabaret with modern political satire, creating an intimate yet provocative experience for the small audience gathered around the stage.”

Examples

simple

“We spent the evening at a cabaret in the city center.”

contextual

“The hotel lounge transforms into a cabaret every Friday night, featuring local singers and jazz musicians.”

complex

“The performance combined elements of traditional cabaret with modern political satire, creating an intimate yet provocative experience for the small audience gathered around the stage.”

Usage

Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'cabaret singer' or 'cabaret show'.

Real-World Examples

“That stylish sequence would sparkle alongside other cabaret acts – and the wit in the duo’s curtain-call speech shows this pair could create a happier hour.”
The Guardian · 25 Aug 2026
“The pair both work on the New York cabaret scene and their show is a dreamlike journey through the world they inhabit.”
The Guardian · 18 Aug 2026

Etymology

Borrowed from French cabaret.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

The word in film

Cabaret · 1972 · Musical

Directed by:
Bob Fosse
Starring:
Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Joel Grey

Director Bob Fosse presents a story set in a 1930s Berlin nightclub where Liza Minnelli performs for the guests. The musical shows how the lively stage entertainment contrasts with the dark political changes happening outside in the city.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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