What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maraca
Example
The band's percussionist played the maracas during the song's chorus. [maracas: plural noun]
Example
She shook the maraca to the beat of the music. [maraca: singular noun]
shaker
Example
The band's drummer used a shaker to add texture to the song's bridge. [shaker: noun]
Example
She shook the egg shaker to keep the rhythm of the song. [shaker: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaker is more commonly used than maraca in everyday language. Shaker is a versatile term that can refer to various types of percussion instruments, while maraca is specific to a type of percussion instrument used in Latin American music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maraca and shaker?
Both maraca and shaker are informal terms that are commonly used in casual conversations and music performances.
