harmonica

[hahr-mon-i-kuh]

noun

1. Also called mouth organ. a musical wind instrument consisting of a small rectangular case containing a set of metal reeds connected to a row of holes, over which the player places the mouth and exhales and inhales to produce the tones.

2. any of various percussion instruments that use graduated bars of metal or other hard material as sounding elements.

harmonica

/ hɑːˈmɒnɪkə /

noun

1. Also called: mouth organ. a small wind instrument of the reed organ family in which reeds of graduated lengths set into a metal plate enclosed in a narrow oblong box are made to vibrate by blowing and sucking

2. See glass harmonica

Word History and Origins

Origin of harmonica¹

Noun use of feminine of Latin harmonicus harmonic; in the form armonica (< Italian < Latin ) applied by Benjamin Franklin in 1762 to a set of musical glasses; later used of other instruments

Word History and Origins

Origin of harmonica¹

C18: from Latin harmonicus relating to _harmony

Example Sentences

So it's a surprise to learn that he was discovered not for his vocals, but his harmonica skills.

From BBC

White, who has won three Emmys for his lead performance in The Bear, is seen playing harmonica and singing Nebraska's title track, as well as Springsteen's breakthrough hit Born To Run.

From BBC

As she sat on a fellow fan's shoulders, they played the harmonica section together before Springsteen gave Holly his harmonica.

From BBC

On Venus, sounds that are caused by solid objects vibrating, like harmonicas or reed organ pipes, would be pitched down because the atmosphere is dense and soupy.

From Salon

In addition to singing with Simpson, King played harmonica during the duet.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• harp