karaoke
B1Informal, general
Definition
Meaning
A form of entertainment where an amateur singer sings along to a pre-recorded instrumental track of a popular song, with the lyrics displayed on a screen.
The equipment, activity, or event involving this type of singing; by extension, can refer to the amateur, performative nature of an activity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun; can be used attributively (e.g., karaoke night, karaoke machine). Verb usage ('to karaoke') is informal but established.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Equally associated with pubs, bars, parties, and social gatherings in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally common. The activity is a widespread global phenomenon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
go to karaokehave a karaoke (night)perform karaokebe at the karaokeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's karaoke, not Carnegie Hall. (Used to remind someone the activity is for fun, not perfection)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/entertainment industry contexts (e.g., 'We installed karaoke systems in our chain of bars.').
Academic
Very rare; may appear in cultural or sociological studies of leisure.
Everyday
Very common in social contexts. 'Fancy going to karaoke on Friday?'
Technical
Not technical; belongs to consumer electronics and entertainment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We're planning to karaoke all night at the pub.
- He karaoked his heart out to an old Oasis track.
American English
- They love to karaoke every weekend at the bar downtown.
- She karaoked 'Sweet Caroline' and brought the house down.
adverb
British English
- Not standard; no common adverbial usage.
American English
- Not standard; no common adverbial usage.
adjective
British English
- It was a proper karaoke evening at the local.
- He has a vast karaoke library on his hard drive.
American English
- We're having a karaoke party this Saturday.
- The bar's karaoke setup is state-of-the-art.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like karaoke.
- They have karaoke at the party.
- My friend sings karaoke.
- We went to a karaoke bar last night and sang our favourite songs.
- He bought a karaoke machine for his family.
- Do you want to do karaoke with us?
- Despite his terrible voice, he's always the first to volunteer for karaoke, which is oddly endearing.
- The company organised a karaoke night as a team-building event.
- Finding a good karaoke version of that song is surprisingly difficult.
- The rise of home karaoke systems during the pandemic transformed living rooms into impromptu performance spaces.
- Karaoke, often dismissed as mere trivial entertainment, can be analysed as a complex social ritual that breaks down inhibitions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAREER person ("career-okay") who is only okay at singing, so they just do KARAOKE for fun.
Conceptual Metaphor
SINGING IS A PERFORMANCE (but an informal, democratised one where anyone can take the stage).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'караоке' implying a formal musical performance. It retains its informal, participatory meaning.
- The verb form exists in English ('to karaoke'), which is a direct borrowing not typical in Russian usage.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing it as 'KAR-ee-oke' instead of 'kar-ee-OH-kee'.
- Using it as a countable noun for a song: 'I sang three karaokes' (prefer: 'I sang three karaoke songs').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the typical context for karaoke?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Japanese loanword, from 'kara' (empty) + 'oke' (short for 'okesutora', meaning orchestra). So, 'empty orchestra'.
Yes, informally. For example, 'We karaoked all night.' It's more common in speech than in formal writing.
Karaoke is primarily for fun and participation, with pre-recorded backing tracks. Talent shows are competitive performances, often with live music or original material, focusing on skill and judgement.
No, that's the point! Karaoke is about participation and having fun, not vocal perfection. Enthusiasm is often valued more than skill.