Meaning of Cabarets

1. Pronouncing the silent 't' (KAB-uh-rets). 2. Stressing the last syllable (ka-buh-RAYZ) instead of the first (KAB-uh-rayz). 3. Pronouncing the final 's' as a voiceless 's' instead of a voiced 'z' (KAB-uh-rayss). 4. Dropping the middle syllable (KAB-rayz).

American Pronunciation

In American English, 'cabarets' is typically pronounced /ˈkæb.əˌreɪz/. The primary stress is on the first syllable 'KAB,' and there is a secondary stress on the final syllable 'rets' (which rhymes with 'bays'). Note that the 't' is silent.

Say it like this: KAB-uh-rayz.

British Pronunciation

In British English, it is often pronounced /ˈkæb.ə.reɪz/, with the stress heavily on the first syllable and a lighter ending. The 't' remains silent, just as in American English.

Say it like this: KAB-uh-rayz.

IPA

The IPA /ˈkæb.əˌreɪz/ shows primary stress /ˈ/ on 'kab' with a short 'a' /æ/, an unstressed schwa /ə/ for the second syllable, and secondary stress /ˌ/ on the final syllable 'reɪz' ending with a voiced 'z' sound.

Syllables

'Cabarets' has three syllables: cab · a · rets. The primary stress falls on the first syllable.

Stress

The primary stress is on the first syllable: KAB-uh-rayz. The third syllable has a lighter secondary stress.

Pronunciation Tips

• Always remember the 't' is silent: KAB-uh-rayz.
• Stress the first syllable heavily: KAB-uh-rayz.
• The ending sounds like 'rays,' rhyming with 'days' or 'bays.'
• Do not stress the last syllable; keep the primary beat on 'KAB.'
• Use a voiced 'z' sound at the end, not a sharp 's.'
• Keep the middle syllable very short, just a quick 'uh' sound.
• Practice saying 'cab' + 'uh' + 'rayz' to master the three beats.
• Do not drop the middle syllable entirely; it is not 'kab-rayz.'

Etymology

The word comes from Middle French 'cabaret,' originally meaning 'tavern' or 'cellar.' Its ultimate origins are uncertain, possibly deriving from the Old Picard word 'cambret' or the Latin 'camera' (room).

History

The term entered English in the 17th century but gained its modern meaning in the late 19th century. In the 1880s, Parisian venues like Le Chat Noir began offering live entertainment alongside food and drink, defining the modern cabaret culture that quickly spread across Europe and the Americas.

Language Origin

French, tracing back to possible Latin roots.

How Meaning Changed Over Time

Originally just a simple tavern or drinking establishment. By the late 1800s, it shifted to mean an establishment offering live theatrical or musical entertainment in an intimate setting.

Interesting Historical Facts

The word is deeply tied to the Belle Époque in Paris. In the US, the term became synonymous with nightclub entertainment, especially during the Jazz Age and the mid-20th century with performers like Liza Minnelli.

Short Definition

The plural of cabaret, referring to venues or entertainment shows featuring singing, dancing, and comedy in a club or restaurant setting.

Simple Definition

Cabarets are small clubs or restaurants where people watch live entertainment like singing, dancing, or comedy while they eat or drink.

Detailed Definition

'Cabarets' is the plural form of 'cabaret.' It refers to both the physical venues (nightclubs, restaurants, or bars) and the style of entertainment hosted within them. Cabaret entertainment typically combines music, song, dance, and drama, often with a strong emphasis on audience interaction and an intimate, informal atmosphere. Originating in France in the late 19th century, cabarets became cultural hubs for artists, writers, and performers.

Student Definition

Cabarets are places like small clubs or cafes where you can watch live performances, such as singing, dancing, or comedy, while having a drink or food. The word is the plural of 'cabaret.'

Writer Definition

For writers, 'cabarets' evokes images of intimate, smoky, or lively nightlife venues. It is an excellent word for historical fiction set in early 20th-century Paris, 1920s Berlin, or mid-century New York. It suggests a blend of art, rebellion, and entertainment, distinct from formal theaters due to its dining/drinking aspect and close audience proximity.

Noun (Plural)

A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or concept. 'Cabarets' is a plural noun referring to multiple entertainment venues or multiple performances.

How It Functions

As a plural noun, 'cabarets' functions as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates more than one establishment or event.

Grammar Usage

Subject: 'The cabarets in this district are famous.' | Object: 'We visited several cabarets.' | Prepositional phrase: 'They performed at various cabarets across the city.'

Sentence Placement

As a noun, 'cabarets' appears in the subject or object position. It is often preceded by adjectives like 'underground,' 'lively,' or 'Parisian,' or by numbers (e.g., 'three cabarets').

To pronounce "Cabarets" like a native American English speaker, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: The First Syllable

Start with the 'k' sound, followed by the short 'a' /æ/ as in 'cat,' and then the 'b' sound. This forms 'cab.' This is the stressed syllable, so say it louder and clearer than the others.

Step 2: The Second Syllable

Move to a quick, relaxed schwa /ə/ sound, as in 'about.' This forms the 'a' syllable. Keep it very short and light.

Step 3: The Third Syllable

Say the 'r' sound followed by the long 'a' /eɪ/ as in 'say,' and finish with a voiced 'z' sound. This forms 'rayz.' Give it a slight secondary stress. Do not pronounce the 't'!

Step 4: Put It Together

Say the full word: KAB-uh-rayz. Practice it slowly to get the three distinct syllables, then pick up speed while keeping the stress on the first beat and remembering the silent 't'.

"Cabarets" has 3 syllables: cab·a·rets.

Breaking the word apart:

• Stress Pattern: Stressed - Unstressed - Secondary Stress

When you write the word with a syllable break for a dictionary, you write: cab·a·rets.

The IPA transcription of "Cabarets" is /ˈkæb.əˌreɪz/. Let's break down each symbol so you can read it confidently.

Put together, the IPA /ˈkæb.əˌreɪz/ provides a precise guide on how to articulate the word.

Imagine a dimly lit room filled with small tables, where people drink and eat while watching a singer perform just a few feet away from them. This intimate, dinner-and-a-show setting is what cabarets are known for.

Unlike a formal theater where the audience sits quietly in rows, cabarets encourage a relaxed, interactive atmosphere. The performers might chat with the audience between songs, making the experience feel very personal and spontaneous.

A Simple Diagram

The Key Idea

Cabarets are plural entertainment venues or shows that combine dining and drinking with intimate, live performances, often featuring music, comedy, and audience interaction.

Use "Cabarets" in the following contexts. It works in various situations, from casual conversation to formal writing. Below are specific examples where the word fits perfectly.

In Nightlife

Use it to describe a night out involving dinner and a show.

Example: "We spent the weekend exploring the jazz cabarets of New Orleans."

In History

Use it when discussing early 20th-century culture.

Example: "Berlin cabarets in the 1920s were famous for their political satire."

In an Essay

Use it to analyze the evolution of performance art.

Example: "Parisian cabarets served as incubators for the avant-garde movement."

In Theater

Use it to describe the style of intimate performance.

Example: "She prefers performing in cabarets rather than large arenas."

In Books

Use it in fiction to set a lively, artistic scene.

Example: "The protagonist spent her nights singing in smoky cabarets."

In Travel

Use it when recommending local entertainment.

Example: "The guidebook listed three must-see cabarets in the city."

In Presentations

Use it to describe cultural trends in entertainment.

Example: "Cabarets offered a space for artists to test controversial material."

1. Do Not Use for Large Stadiums

Cabarets are intimate by definition; a massive pop concert is not a cabaret.

2. Do Not Pronounce the 'T'

Pronouncing the 't' (cab-uh-rets) is a common error; it is silent in standard English.

3. Do Not Confuse with 'Cafeteria'

A cafeteria is a self-service dining hall; a cabaret is an entertainment venue.

4. Do Not Use for Formal Plays

Traditional theaters without dining or audience interaction are not cabarets.

5. Do Not Use as a Verb

You cannot 'cabaret'; it is strictly a noun.

6. Do Not Confuse with 'Cabernet'

Cabernet is a type of wine grape. 'Cabarets' are venues.

1. We went to a few cabarets in the French Quarter last night.
2. The city is famous for its lively jazz cabarets.
3. She loves the intimate atmosphere of underground cabarets.
4. We found a guidebook listing the best cabarets in town.
5. They serve dinner at these cabarets before the show starts.
6. I prefer small cabarets over large, loud concert venues.
7. The cabarets in this neighborhood offer great comedy acts.
8. He sang in various cabarets to pay his way through college.
9. Some of these old cabarets have been open since the 1950s.
10. We bought tickets for two different cabarets on our vacation.

1. The drama class took a field trip to study Parisian cabarets.
2. We learned about the political satire used in 1920s Berlin cabarets.
3. Her thesis focused on the role of cabarets in the Jazz Age.
4. The professor showed a documentary about historical French cabarets.
5. Students compared modern nightclubs to traditional cabarets.
6. The history of vaudeville and cabarets was discussed in the lecture.
7. He wrote an essay on how cabarets influenced modern stand-up comedy.
8. The music department organized a trip to local cabarets.
9. We read a play set in the cabarets of Weimar Germany.
10. The teacher explained how cabarets served as safe spaces for marginalized artists.

1. The hospitality group owns three luxury cabarets in the downtown area.
2. Investing in retro-style cabarets is becoming a new trend.
3. The company booked the top cabarets for the corporate retreat.
4. They manage the food and beverage operations for several local cabarets.
5. The marketing firm specialized in promoting underground cabarets.
6. He worked as a talent scout for cabarets in Las Vegas.
7. The new zoning laws affected how late the cabarets could operate.
8. The profitability of dinner cabarets depends heavily on ticket sales and drinks.
9. She managed the payroll for two of the most famous cabarets in the city.
10. The real estate agent showed us properties that used to be jazz cabarets.

1. The cultural significance of 19th-century Parisian cabarets cannot be overstated.
2. Scholars have extensively documented the role of cabarets in fostering political dissent.
3. The architecture of these historic cabarets reflects the Art Nouveau movement.
4. Cabarets provided a crucial platform for avant-garde artists to experiment.
5. The regulation of cabarets required special licensing from the municipal government.
6. Many renowned vocalists began their careers performing in intimate cabarets.
7. The distinction between supper clubs and cabarets lies in the level of audience interaction.
8. The preservation of these historic cabarets is vital to the city's heritage.
9. The sociological impact of Berlin cabarets in the 1920s is a subject of ongoing research.
10. The performers at these cabarets often utilized satire to critique societal norms.

1. I'm kinda obsessed with the vintage cabarets in this city.
2. Those cabarets downtown are kinda pricey but totally worth it.
3. We hit up a few cabarets after midnight, it was a blast.
4. The drinks at these cabarets are super strong.
5. I love the old-school vibe of those jazz cabarets.
6. Cabarets are way cooler than regular bars, honestly.
7. We found these underground cabarets that have the best pizza.
8. My friend sings at cabarets on the weekend for extra cash.
9. Dude, the cabarets in New Orleans are unreal.
10. We spent the whole night hopping from one cabaret to another.

1. The smoky cabarets of Montmartre were alive with the laughter of poets and thieves.
2. She sang in dimly lit cabarets, her voice weaving stories of lost love.
3. The cabarets of Berlin whispered secrets that the daylight world dared not speak.
4. He wandered the city's cabarets, searching for a melody that matched his sorrow.
5. In the cabarets of the 1920s, rebellion was served with a glass of cheap wine.
6. The neon signs of the cabarets bled into the wet pavement of the midnight streets.
7. They met in the back rooms of forgotten cabarets, plotting a revolution.
8. The old cabarets held the ghosts of a thousand unfinished songs.
9. Through the swinging doors of the cabarets, a saxophone cried out in the dark.
10. Her dreams were painted in the bright lights and dark shadows of the Parisian cabarets.

Root Word

cabaret (French)

Derived Forms

Cabaret (singular noun), Cabarets (plural noun), Cabaretier (historical noun for a tavern keeper).

Related Forms

Cabaret, Nightclub, Lounge, Speakeasy, Revue, Vaudeville, Supper club

Prefix & Root Information

The word uses a suffixal '-s' to denote plurality in English, rather than a prefix. In French, the plural is identical to the singular (cabaret).

Rule 1: Plural Noun

'Cabarets' is the standard English plural for more than one cabaret venue or show. It takes a plural verb: 'The cabarets are open.'

Rule 2: Countable Noun

You can count them: 'one cabaret,' 'two cabarets,' 'many cabarets.'

Rule 3: Do Not Use as an Adjective

Instead of 'cabarets show,' use the singular as a modifier: 'cabaret show.'

Rule 4: Capitalization

It is written with a lowercase 'c' unless it begins a sentence or is part of a specific title (e.g., the Moulin Rouge cabarets).

Rule 5: Avoid Double Plurals

Do not write 'cabarets' when referring to the art form in general; say 'cabaret' (e.g., 'I love cabaret,' not 'I love cabarets,' unless you mean specific venues).

Correct Spelling

The correct spelling is cabarets.

Common Misspellings

caberets (transposed letters), cabarets (correct), caberays (phonetic misspelling), cabbarets (double 'b'), cabaretts (double 't')

Common Typing Mistakes

cabarrts (r for e), xabarets (x for c), cabareta (a for s), cabwrets (w for a)

• Always remember the 't' is silent: KAB-uh-rayz.
• Stress the first syllable heavily: KAB-uh-rayz.
• The ending sounds like 'rays,' rhyming with 'days' or 'bays.'
• Do not stress the last syllable; keep the primary beat on 'KAB.'
• Use a voiced 'z' sound at the end, not a sharp 's.'
• Keep the middle syllable very short, just a quick 'uh' sound.
• Practice saying 'cab' + 'uh' + 'rayz' to master the three beats.
• Do not drop the middle syllable entirely; it is not 'kab-rayz.'