1. a loud, discordant noise or din; a cacophony
Usage: often used to describe an unpleasant mixture of sounds
2. a mock serenade or noisy demonstration, historically performed to ridicule or harass someone (especially a newlywed couple)
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The construction site produced a constant charivari of hammering, drilling, and shouting.
• The orchestra's opening was a charivari of clashing instruments that made the audience wince.
• The street fair was filled with the charivari of vendors calling out prices and children laughing.
• In medieval times, a charivari was sometimes performed outside a newlywed's home as a prank.
• The charivari of traffic noise made it impossible to hear the conversation.
• The kitchen became a charivari of pots, pans, and sizzling food during dinner preparation.