dulcimer

What is another word for dulcimer? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A stringed instrument, usually trapezoidal, played by plucking or striking the strings stretched across a sounding board.

We haven't recorded synonyms for dulcimer yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use dulcimer

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

play the dulcimer hammer dulcimer dulcimer strings

It is a neutral, specialist term used mainly in discussions of music and folk instruments.

Etymology

Dulcimer comes from Old French doulcemelle, thought to derive from Latin dulce melos, meaning sweet song, which itself traces back to the Ancient Greek word mélos, meaning melody or song.

Full origin of dulcimer →

Frequently asked questions

What is a dulcimer?

It is a stringed instrument, usually trapezoidal, played by plucking or striking the strings over a sounding board.

How is a dulcimer played?

Traditionally the strings are plucked, often with a quill, or struck with small hammers in the case of the hammer dulcimer.

Where does the word dulcimer come from?

It comes from Old French doulcemelle, linked to a Latin phrase meaning sweet song, ultimately from Ancient Greek.

Nearby words

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