Jew's harp

noun

ˈjüz-ˌhärp How to pronounce Jew's harp (audio)
ˈjüs-
variants or Jews' harp
: a small lyre-shaped instrument that when held between the teeth gives tones from a metal tongue struck by the finger

Illustration of Jew's harp

Illustration of jew's harp

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jew's harp was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near Jew's harp

Jew

Jew's harp

jewel

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Cite this Entry

“Jew's harp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jew%27s%20harp. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

Jew's harp

noun
variants or Jews' harp
ˈjüz-ˌhärp How to pronounce Jew's harp (audio)
: a small simple musical instrument that consists of a flexible metal strip attached at one end to a flat pear-shaped frame and that is played by plucking the strip while holding the frame between the teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on Jew's harp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Jew's harp

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