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."
"He is performing here with his Symmetric Orchestra, an ensemble of West African musicians who play both traditional instruments (kora, balafon, bolombatto, djembe) and slightly more contemporary ones (guitars, keyboards)."
— The New York Times, Pop Listings (2009)
How to use kora
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like kora.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- koras
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
See all rhymes for kora →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.
