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harp

harp

37 1.9
A large stringed instrument with a triangular frame that you play by plucking
  • noun
  • /hɑrp/
: arpa
  • Strike the harp and join the chorus.
  • play the harp
  • strings of a harp

Instead we think, oh, clouds, floating robes, harps, right.

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Examples

  • With two hundred harp students, MPS has the largest harp program in the country!

    Academic text (2004)
  • When she seated herself at the harp, the blood hall took on an air of anticipation.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • But she is learning the harp.

  • Play a hymn on the harp.

  • Her father accompanies her on the harp.

  • I dreamed of a synagogue like a musical instrument, a harp sounding in the air.

    Academic text (2011)
  • "Yes," Dail whispered, his hands tracing the shape of the harp on his knee.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • There were harps, including a bow harp from Sumeria with a dozen taut strings.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • So there's the harp making its melodious harmoni, harmonious sounds.

  • She often plays beautiful melodies on her harp during evening concerts.

Synonyms

stringed instrument
vsharp
  • Specialized
4 2.9

A musical instrument that makes sound when its strings are played, like a guitar or violin

is a specific triangular framed instrument with gentle resonant sound rather than a general class

Compounds

1 5.4

A large Arctic seal with dark curved marks on its back and white newborn pups

1 6.3

A small instrument you play by holding it to your mouth and blowing into holes

1 9.8

A small metal instrument held between the teeth and played by plucking to make different tones

An instrument with strings that the wind plays to make soft music

A small metal instrument you hold between your teeth and pluck to make music

8.8

An instrument like a harp with many strings that the wind moves to make sound

How Portable

harmonica
35 2.9
mbira
9.9
guitar
∞ 1.0
harp
37 1.9
piano
698 1.0

Surface Forms

harp singular
harps plural

Etymology

Harp comes from an old German word for the same 'string instrument' and has been used for a long time. Picture a triangular frame and strings you pluck — that image is why harp still means this gentle, resonant instrument.