mandolin

noun

man·​do·​lin ˌman-də-ˈlin How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-də-lən
variants or less commonly mandoline
ˌman-də-ˈlēn How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-də-lən
1
: a musical instrument of the lute family that has a usually pear-shaped body and fretted neck and four to six pairs of strings
2
usually mandoline [French, from Italian mandolino mandolin] : a kitchen utensil with a blade for slicing and shredding
mandolinist noun

Illustration of mandolin

Illustration of mandolin
  • mandolin 1

Examples of mandolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The choreographer says he’s avoided clichés like pizza and mandolins in the work, explaining that those are stereotypes more closely tied to Italian-American culture than modern Italy. Orlando Taquechel, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025 Hull's new album A Tip Toe High Wire is her first in five years, and her songwriting and mandolin skills emanate coziness throughout making each listen feel akin to sitting on the porch in the summer breeze. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, in 2017, vocalist/mandolin player/guitarist Dan Tyminski released the project Southern Gothic, followed by 2023’s God Fearing Heathen. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2025 In Through the Out Door (1978) Though Jones stuck to playing bass in concert, he was Led Zeppelin’s secret weapon in the studio, fleshing out tracks with keyboards, mandolin, and string arrangements. Al Shipley, SPIN, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mandolin

Word History

Etymology

Italian mandolino, diminutive of mandola

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mandolin was in 1707

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mandolin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mandolin. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

mandolin

noun
man·​do·​lin ˌman-də-ˈlin How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-dᵊl-ən
variants also mandoline
ˌman-də-ˈlēn How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-dᵊl-ən
: a stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body and four to six pairs of strings played by plucking

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