maraca

noun

ma·​ra·​ca mə-ˈrä-kə How to pronounce maraca (audio) -ˈra- How to pronounce maraca (audio)
: a rattle usually made from a gourd that is used as a percussion instrument

Examples of maraca in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On The Road, Alice smashing the song on piano (while Lilia smashes it on… maracas?) proves enough to vanquish the extremely Buffy-looking demon that appears at the top of the studio amid bursts of flame. — Caroline Framke, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024 The table itself was a visual feast, with colorful décor including mini piñata name tags and maracas strewn across the center. — Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese maracá, from Tupi maraká

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of maraca was in 1598

Rhymes for maraca

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Cite this Entry

“Maraca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maraca. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

maraca

noun
ma·​ra·​ca mə-ˈräk-ə How to pronounce maraca (audio) -ˈrak- How to pronounce maraca (audio)
: a dried gourd or a rattle like a gourd that contains dried seeds or pebbles and is used as a musical rhythm instrument usually played in pairs by shaking

More from Merriam-Webster on maraca

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about maraca

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