kabuki

Where does the word "kabuki" come from? It comes from Japanese kabuki, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).

Kabuki’s story begins in Japanese: kabuki meant “a traditional Japanese theater form.” A stylized traditional theater form combining dance, music, and elaborate costume. It reached English by 1900s as kabuki. Founded around 1603 by Izumo no Okuni, a female dancer in Kyoto; later performed only by men. Today, kabuki means a traditional Japanese theater form known for its stylized drama and elaborate costume.

1. Stage 1 · Japanese · 1600s kabuki "a traditional Japanese theater form", a stylized traditional theater form combining dance, music, and elaborate costume.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1900s kabuki "a stylized traditional Japanese theater form", founded around 1603 by Izumo no Okuni, a female dancer in Kyoto; later performed only by men.