noun

dulcimer

DUL-sih-mer

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Dulcimer (noun) means a stringed instrument, usually trapezoidal, played by plucking or striking the strings stretched across a sounding board. Example: “She learned to play the dulcimer at folk music sessions.”

noun

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

"She learned to play the dulcimer at folk music sessions."

"The dulcimer's strings are struck with small hammers to produce its ringing tone."

"A dulcimer sat propped against the wall of the music shop."

How to use dulcimer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA stringed instrument you pluck or tap to play.

When to use it

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

Memory tip

There are two main kinds, plucked and hammer dulcimers, so check which is meant.

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Common pairings

play the dulcimer hammer dulcimer dulcimer strings

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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She learned to play the _____ at folk music sessions.

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.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for dulcimer

timer primer latimer Mortimer Lattimer Alzheimer disclaimer Oppenheimer

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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.

What is the meaning of dulcimer?

"dulcimer" (noun) means a stringed instrument, usually trapezoidal, played by plucking or striking the strings stretched across a sounding board.