noun
balalaika
bal-uh-LY-kuh
Balalaika (noun) means a plucked stringed instrument of Russian origin with a triangular body, a short neck and three strings. Example: “He played a slow folk tune on the balalaika.”
noun
1
A plucked stringed instrument of Russian origin with a triangular body, a short neck and three strings.
"He played a slow folk tune on the balalaika."
"The trio on stage included a balalaika, an accordion and a drum."
"She had never held a balalaika before the lesson."
How to use balalaika
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA three-stringed Russian instrument with a triangular body, played by plucking.
When to use it
It is a neutral, everyday word used whenever the instrument itself is being discussed.
Memory tip
The stress falls on the third syllable, so it sounds like bal-uh-LY-kuh, not BAL-uh-ly-kuh.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
play the balalaika
a balalaika orchestra
strum a balalaika
a folk balalaika tune
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He played a slow folk tune on the _____.
Etymology
The word comes from the Russian балалайка (balalájka), which English borrowed directly, keeping both the sound and the spelling close to the original.
Rhymes for balalaika
See all rhymes for balalaika →Frequently asked questions
What is a balalaika?
It is a Russian stringed instrument with a distinctive triangular body, a short neck and three strings, played by plucking.
How many strings does a balalaika have?
A balalaika has three strings.
Where does the balalaika come from?
It is of Russian origin, and its English name was borrowed straight from the Russian word for it.
What is the meaning of balalaika?
"balalaika" (noun) means a plucked stringed instrument of Russian origin with a triangular body, a short neck and three strings.
