harpsichord

noun

harp·​si·​chord ˈhärp-si-ˌkȯrd How to pronounce harpsichord (audio)
: a stringed instrument resembling a grand piano but usually having two keyboards and two or more strings for each note and producing tones by the plucking of strings with plectra
harpsichordist noun

Examples of harpsichord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The concert will feature Baroque mandolin and harpsichord music by Scarlatti, Bach, Ortiz and Vivaldi, among others. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2024 Sheet music from the time shows notes too high or low to play on the harpsichord. Richard Siken, The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2024 Both aspects of the device are somewhat broken: The harpsichord is battered, and the video is distorted. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2024 Recorded with live instruments and vocals, Venba’s soundtrack bursts with energy by way of tabla, harpsichord, and synth. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 18 Dec. 2023 The hint of harpsichord is yet another perfect touch on a Boyce and Hart song that was never released as a single in the States but figured prominently in the TV series. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 7 Jan. 2024 McCartney also is credited with brand new bass, piano and electric harpsichord, and Starr’s drum playing is a fresh addition as well … and both get credit for playing shakers. Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2023 Hana has a habit of picking up feathers to give to the village chief, who makes them into quills to pluck at the strings of a harpsichord. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 4 Sep. 2023 So, maybe just a harpsichord and finger snaps next time. Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'harpsichord.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

modification of Italian arpicordo, from arpa harp + corda string

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of harpsichord was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near harpsichord

Cite this Entry

“Harpsichord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harpsichord. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

harpsichord

noun
harp·​si·​chord ˈhärp-si-ˌkȯ(ə)rd How to pronounce harpsichord (audio)
: a keyboard instrument similar to a piano but with strings that are plucked rather than struck

More from Merriam-Webster on harpsichord

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