harp

[hahrp]

noun

1. a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame formed by a soundbox, a pillar, and a curved neck, and having strings stretched between the soundbox and the neck that are plucked with the fingers.

2. anything that resembles this instrument, especially in having a row of parallel strings or wires, as various mechanical devices or kitchen implements for slicing cheese.

3. a vertical metal frame shaped to bend around the bulb in a standing lamp and used to support a lamp shade.

4. Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.,  a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of Irish birth or descent.

5. Also called harper. any of several English coins issued for use in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries, bearing the figure of a harp on the reverse.

6. South Midland and Southern U.S.,  a mouth harp; harmonica.

verb (used without object)

1. to play on a harp.

verb phrase

1. harp on / upon,  to dwell on persistently or tediously in speaking or writing.

   He was always harping on the importance of taking vitamin supplements.

harp

/ hɑːp /

noun

1. a large triangular plucked stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard connected to an upright pillar by means of a curved crossbar from which the strings extend downwards. The strings are tuned diatonically and may be raised in pitch either one or two semitones by the use of pedals ( double-action harp ). Basic key: B major; range: nearly seven octaves

2. something resembling this, esp in shape

3. an informal name (esp in pop music) for harmonica

verb

1. (intr) to play the harp

2. archaic,  (tr) to speak; utter; express

3. (intr; foll by on or upon) to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner

harp

1. An instrument in the string section of the orchestra. The orchestral harp is several feet tall and has pedals that allow the harpist to change the key of the instrument as necessary.

Other Word Forms

• harper noun
• harplike adjective
• unharped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of harp¹

before 900; Middle English harpe, Old English hearpe; cognate with Dutch harp, German Harfe, Old Norse harpa

Word History and Origins

Origin of harp¹

Old English hearpe; related to Old Norse harpa, Old High German harfa, Latin corbis basket, Russian korobit to warp

Example Sentences

But I don’t ever harp on things like that or watch people’s failures because I’ve had one.

From Los Angeles Times

"We need reinforcements, but I don't want to keep harping on about it. I don't need to beg for players that we need."

From BBC

“You pull it out of the piano, you put it on the harp, it’s still working, you take out of the harp, you sing it a cappella, it’s still working, good song.”

From Salon

Symbols like the Celtic harp and the Shamrock are seen by many as belonging to both traditions.

From BBC

“I said what I needed to say. I don’t think it’s something that I want to harp on,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times