noun

harpsichord

HAHP-sih-kawd

Harpsichord (noun) means a keyboard instrument, popular before the piano, in which each key plucks a string rather than striking it with a hammer. Example: “The Baroque concert featured a harpsichord instead of a piano.”

noun

A keyboard instrument, popular before the piano, in which each key plucks a string rather than striking it with a hammer.

"The Baroque concert featured a harpsichord instead of a piano."

"Bach wrote many of his keyboard works for the harpsichord."

How to use harpsichord

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn early keyboard instrument that plucks its strings, giving it a brighter, thinner sound than a piano.

Easily confused with

piano →

Word forms

harpsichords plural

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Fill the gap

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The Baroque concert featured a _____ instead of a piano.

Etymology

From French harpechord, "harp string," via New Latin harpichordium, combining harpa ("harp") and chorda ("string").

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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cembalo

Frequently asked questions

What does “harpsichord” mean?

The word “harpsichord” means a keyboard instrument, popular before the piano, in which each key plucks a string rather than striking it with a hammer. In plain terms, an early keyboard instrument that plucks its strings, giving it a brighter, thinner sound than a piano.

How do you pronounce “harpsichord”?

“Harpsichord” is pronounced HAHP-sih-kawd (/ˈhɑɹp.sɪˌkɔɹd/ in IPA).

How do you use “harpsichord” in a sentence?

Here is “harpsichord” used in a sentence: “The Baroque concert featured a harpsichord instead of a piano.”

What part of speech is “harpsichord”?

“Harpsichord” is a noun.

Where does the word “harpsichord” come from?

The word “harpsichord” comes from New Latin. From French harpechord, "harp string," via New Latin harpichordium, combining harpa ("harp") and chorda ("string").