cabaret

noun

cab·​a·​ret ˌka-bə-ˈrā 

ˈka-bə-ˌrā

1

archaic : a shop selling wines and liquors

2

a

: a restaurant serving liquor and providing entertainment (as by singers or dancers) : nightclub

b

: the show provided at a cabaret

Synonyms

• bistro
• boîte
• café
• cafe
• club
• nightclub
• nightspot
• nitery
• niterie
• roadhouse
• supper club

Examples of cabaret in a Sentence

a singing superstar who got her start singing in the cabarets of New York City

Recent Examples on the Web

Justin Vivian Bond, 61, New York, an artist and performer who, in their long career as cabaret singer, has stood up for civil rights, offered solace and humor to members of the gay community and inspired other transgender artists. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2024

The cafe also said Friedman’s original performances there, in 2003, 2004, and 2006, were organized by Sondheim and cabaret singer Barbara Cook, who handled the lighting. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

The Mabel Mercer Foundation—named after the woman many consider to be the top cabaret artist of the 20th century—this week is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its annual cabaret convention. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Lempicka’s market has soared, with a painting of cabaret singer Marjorie Ferry setting her auction record at £16.3 million ($21.3 million) in 2020. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French dialect (Picard or Walloon), from Middle Dutch, alteration of cambret, cameret, from Middle French dialect (Picard) camberete small room, ultimately from Late Latin camera — more at chamber

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cabaret

noun

cab·​a·​ret ˌkab-ə-ˈrā 

ˈkab-ə-ˌrā

: nightclub