Karaoke
/ˌkær.iˈoʊ.ki/noun
A form of entertainment in which people sing along to recorded instrumental music.
Did you know?Japanese broadcasters coined karaoke in the 1970s by combining kara, meaning “empty,” with oke, a shortened form of orchestra.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
orkhēstra
“The space in front of a theater stage where the chorus danced”
Ancient Greek
Greek
orkheisthai
“To dance”
17th Century
Latin
orchestra
“The part of a theater occupied by musicians or performers”
19th Century
English
orchestra
“A group of instrumental musicians”
1970s
Japanese
karaoke
“An abbreviation of kara, “empty,” and ōkesutora, “orchestra””
Modern English
English
karaoke
“Singing along to recorded instrumental accompaniment”
Explore more surprising origins