harp (hɑːp
)
Definitions
noun
- 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
- something resembling this, esp in shape
- an informal name (esp in pop music) for harmonica
verb
- (intr) to play the harp
- (tr) archaic to speak; utter; express
- (intr; foll by on or upon) to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner
Alternative Forms
ˈharper ˈharpist nounWord Origin
Old English hearpe; related to Old Norse harpa, Old High German harfa, Latin corbis basket, Russian korobit to warpTranslations
- British English:
harp
A harp is a large musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame with vertical strings which you pluck with your fingers.hɑːp NOUN
- Spanish:
arpa
nf
- French:
harpe
nf
- German:
Harfe
nf
- Chinese: 竖琴 n
- Arabic: قِيثار n
- Portuguese: harpa nf
- Russian: арфа nf
- Croatian: harpa nf
- Czech: harfa nf
- Danish: harpe nutr
- Dutch: harp n
- Finnish: harppu n
- Greek: άρπα nf
- Italian: arpa nf
- Japanese: ハープ n
- Korean: 하프 n
- Norwegian: harpe nm
- Polish: harfa nf
- Brazilian Portuguese: harpa nf
- European Spanish:
arpa
nf
- Swedish: harpa nutr
- Thai: พิณตั้ง n
- Turkish: harp n
- Vietnamese: đàn hạc n
Usage examples
I seem to remember a bard, too, or at least a singer with a harp , if he wasn't a proper bard.
, A Time of War (1993)"Everybody eats everybody - you simply don't know what effect a reduction in the harp seal population would have.
New Scientist (2004)Though the performance from strings and harp was perfectly adequate, it didn't quite scale the necessary heights of intensity.
Courier, Sunday Mail (2005)One thing that everyone knows I do, apart from quite decent blues harp , is not know any of the words.
Glasgow Herald (2001)No musician would expect to play the piano and the harp at the same time, or the sitar and the violin.
, Music and the Elemental Psyche: A Practical Guide to Music and Changing Consciousness (1987)