kabuki: Meaning and Definition of

ka•bu•ki

Pronunciation: (kä-b'kē, ku-, kä'b-kē), [key]
— n.
  1. 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. Cf. Nō.
  2. (cap.) Also calledpublic performances of this type of drama.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.