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noun

kora

KAW-ruh

Kora (noun) means a West African string instrument that combines features of a harp and a lute, played by plucking. Example: “The griot accompanied his singing with a kora.”

noun
1
A West African string instrument that combines features of a harp and a lute, played by plucking.
"The griot accompanied his singing with a kora."
"She learned to play the kora from her grandfather in Mali."

How to use kora

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA traditional West African stringed instrument, often played by professional storyteller-musicians called griots.

Common pairings
play the kora kora music a kora player

Word forms

koras plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The griot accompanied his singing with a _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from the Bambara word kɔ́ra, the name used for the instrument in Mali and neighbouring countries.

Rhymes for kora

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Frequently asked questions

What does “kora” mean?

The word “kora” means a West African string instrument that combines features of a harp and a lute, played by plucking. In plain terms, a traditional West African stringed instrument, often played by professional storyteller-musicians called griots.

How do you pronounce “kora”?

“Kora” is pronounced KAW-ruh (/ˈkoɹə/ in IPA).

How do you use “kora” in a sentence?

Here is “kora” used in a sentence: “The griot accompanied his singing with a kora.”

What part of speech is “kora”?

“Kora” is a noun.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial