maraca
C1Informal, technical (music)
Definition
Meaning
A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow gourd or similarly shaped container filled with dried beans or pebbles, fitted with a handle, and shaken to produce a rhythmic rattling sound.
Can refer humorously or informally to an object that rattles like a maraca. In some Latin American contexts, can be a slang term for a pregnant woman, though this is regional and informal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is almost always used in its plural form 'maracas', as the instrument is typically played in pairs (one in each hand). Using the singular often implies referencing one of a pair.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slight potential for more familiarity in American English due to closer cultural ties to Latin America.
Connotations
Universally associated with Latin American, Caribbean, or tropical music (salsa, samba, etc.). Conveys festivity, rhythm, and exoticism.
Frequency
Low to medium frequency in both variants, occurring primarily in musical or cultural contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
shake + [object: maracas]play + [object: the maracas]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Shake it like a maraca.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in the context of importing musical instruments or event planning.
Academic
Found in ethnomusicology, anthropology, or cultural studies papers discussing Latin American music.
Everyday
Used when discussing music, instruments, parties, or Latin culture.
Technical
Precise term in musicology and percussion for a specific idiophone.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The percussionist began to maraca the beat with vigour.
American English
- She can really maraca that thing.
adjective
British English
- The maraca rhythm is essential to the song.
American English
- He's got great maraca technique.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a pair of maracas.
- In music class, we learned to play the maracas.
- The distinctive sound of the maracas provides a constant rhythmic texture in salsa music.
- The ethnomusicologist's thesis detailed the construction and ceremonial use of traditional gourd maracas among indigenous tribes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Mara' dancing at a 'Car'nival. She shakes a MARACA.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE OF RHYTHMIC SOUND IS A CONTAINER OF MOVING PARTS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'маракас' (same word but singular), which is fine, but be aware the English plural is standard.
- Not related to 'маракай' (Maracay, city in Venezuela) or 'маракуйя' (passion fruit).
Common Mistakes
- Using the singular form ('a maraca') when referring to the typical pair; better to say 'a pair of maracas' or 'the maracas'.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'maracaes' or 'maraci'. The correct plural is 'maracas'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most typical way maracas are played?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While grammatically correct, it's uncommon because the instrument is almost always used as a pair. It's more natural to say 'a pair of maracas' or 'the maracas'.
Traditionally, they are made from dried gourds filled with seeds or pebbles. Modern versions are often made from wood, plastic, or leather.
It is an idiophone, a type of percussion instrument where the entire instrument vibrates to produce sound.
They are pre-Columbian instruments, indigenous to various cultures in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Taíno people.