kabuki

[ kah-boo-kee, kuh-, kah-boo-kee ]
/ kɑˈbu ki, kə-, ˈkɑ bu ki /

noun

popular drama of Japan, developed chiefly in the 17th century, characterized by elaborate costuming, rhythmic dialogue, stylized acting, music, and dancing, and the performance of both male and female roles by male actors. Compare .
(initial capital letter) Also called Grand Kabuki. public performances of this type of drama.

Origin of kabuki

1895–1900; < Japanese: orig., as v., to act dissolutely; usually written with phonograms that carry the meanings “song-dance-skill”

Words nearby kabuki

Example sentences from the Web for kabuki

British Dictionary definitions for kabuki

kabuki
/ (kæˈbuːkɪ) /

noun

a form of Japanese drama based on popular legends and characterized by elaborate costumes, stylized acting, and the use of male actors for all roles See also No 1

Word Origin for kabuki

Japanese, from ka singing + bu dancing + ki art