ENGLISH
REFERENCE

karaoke

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary US //ˌkɛɹiˈoʊki// UK //kˌæɹɪˈəʊki// karaoke

n. a form of entertainment where you sing along to a recorded track of a popular song. The music plays while you read the lyrics on a screen.

n. an entertainment activity in which individuals sing along to recorded instrumental music using a microphone. Often performed in public venues or private rooms with lyrics displayed on a video monitor.


SIMPLE

We went to a bar to sing karaoke last night.

CONTEXTUAL

The office party was a huge success because everyone felt brave enough to try karaoke after dinner.

COMPLEX

While some view karaoke as a mere social novelty, in many cultures it serves as a vital communal ritual that bridges the gap between professional performance and amateur expression.

Origin

Etymology tree Japanese 空 Ancient Greek ὀρχέομαι (orkhéomai) Ancient Greek -τρᾰ (-tră) Ancient Greek ὀρχήστρα (orkhḗstra)bor. Latin orchēstrabor. English orchestrabor. Japanese オーケストラ Japanese カラオケbor. English karaoke Borrowed from Japanese カラオケ (karaoke), from 空(から) (kara, “empty”) + オケ (oke, “orchestra”), a clipping of オーケストラ (ōkesutora), from English orchestra.

Usage

Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'karaoke bar' or 'karaoke machine'.

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