karaoke

American  

[kar-ee-oh-kee] / ˌkær iˈoʊ ki /

noun

1. an act of singing along to a music video, especially one from which the original vocals have been electronically eliminated.

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karaoke British  

/ ˌkɑːrəˈəʊkɪ /

noun

1. 1. an entertainment of Japanese origin in which people take it in turns to sing well-known songs over a prerecorded backing tape

   2. ( as modifier )

      a karaoke bar

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Etymology

Origin of karaoke

1985–1990; < Japanese, equivalent to kara empty + oke orchestra

Explanation

Karaoke is a type of entertainment where people sing popular songs to prerecorded music. Like the haiku, karaoke was invented in Japan. This form of entertainment is very popular in the United States, where people sing karaoke every day. It's a chance to sing a song you love without having a band: you can just get up and belt it out. Usually, the lyrics are displayed too, so you don't even have to remember the words. A lot of people would probably rather die than sing karaoke, but lots of people can't get enough.

Example Sentences

Chinese electric vehicles have become increasingly packed with unconventional features, like built-in massage seats, karaoke systems and a fridge, to stand out in a highly competitive market.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

When he’s not spreading his love of Reese’s, he spends weekday afternoons singing Rolling Stones songs on karaoke machines in bars near the pier.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

In the film, BJ, a failed karaoke bar R&B musician, gets a lucky chance to go to Korea and be the drummer for a popular K-pop competition series.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Malcolm said he proposed to Sarah during a karaoke night in June last year when they returned to the seaside resort for another holiday a year after they first met.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

When the driver pulls up to the karaoke place at last, I fling money at him and burst out the door.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera