ranchera
UK[ranˈtʃeə.rə]US[rɑːnˈtʃer.ə]
n
a style of mexican folk music, traditionally performed by a mariachi band, often with themes of love, nature, and rural life.
n
a song performed in this style.
Etymology
the english word 'ranchera' is a direct borrowing from mexican spanish, where 'ranchera' is the feminine form of the adjective meaning 'of or from a ranch'. it derives from 'rancho', meaning a small farm or ranch, which itself entered spanish from the french 'rangier' (to set in a row, to station), likely via a germanic source related to the concept of a ring or circle. in mexico, the term became associated with the rural, working-class culture of the ranches. by the early 20th century, 'ranchera' was applied to a genre of music that celebrated and romanticized this pastoral lifestyle, a meaning which english adopted along with the word.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from spanish. it is not segmented into smaller meaningful parts within the english spelling system.
Examples
the mariachi band played a lively ranchera that got everyone dancing.
her powerful voice is perfectly suited for singing classic rancheras.
the film's soundtrack features several instrumental rancheras.