How the Japanese language influenced English with the word 'karaoke'

'Karaoke' is a word borrowed from Japanese 'karaoke'. The word entered the English language some time around 1979.

karaoke [noun] [1979]

• a device that plays instrumental accompaniments for a selection of songs to which the user sings along and that records...
• a form of entertainment involving the use of a karaoke machine

See 'karaoke' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Japanese.

Etymology: Japanese, from 'kara' empty + 'ōke' short for 'ōkesutora' orchestra

See more loan words from 1970s.