what does cabaret mean

Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment that typically features music, song, dance, recitation, or drama. It is usually performed in venues such as pubs, casinos, hotels, restaurants, or nightclubs where the audience often sits at tables, sometimes dining or drinking, while watching performances introduced by a master of ceremonies. Originating in France in the late 19th century, cabaret has since evolved to include various styles, including comedy, political satire, and burlesque, and is often associated with adult and underground entertainment. In the U.S., it can include striptease, burlesque, drag shows, and solo vocal performances with piano accompaniment. The word "cabaret" originally meant a small room or tavern and has its roots in Old French and Middle Dutch terms for inns or small rooms.