noun

plectrum

PLEK-trum

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Plectrum (noun) means a small piece of plastic, metal or similar material used for plucking the strings of an instrument such as a guitar. Example: “She dropped her plectrum down the back of the sofa before the gig.”

noun

A small piece of plastic, metal or similar material used for plucking the strings of an instrument such as a guitar.

"She dropped her plectrum down the back of the sofa before the gig."

"He strummed the chords with a thin plastic plectrum."

"I keep a spare plectrum in my guitar case."

How to use plectrum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA plectrum is the small flat tool you hold to pluck or strum guitar strings.

When to use it

Plectrum is a neutral word, a little more formal or British-sounding than pick.

Memory tip

Both plectrums and plectra are correct plurals, so pick one and stay consistent.

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Common pairings

guitar plectrum hold a plectrum plastic plectrum strum with a plectrum drop a plectrum

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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 dropped her _____ down the back of the sofa before the gig.

Etymology

Plectrum was borrowed into English from Latin plectrum, which came from an Ancient Greek word meaning something to strike with, such as a device for striking a lyre. The Greek word derives from a verb meaning to strike.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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pick guitar pick plectron

Related words

choice pick piece choose clean favorite foot throw

Rhymes for plectrum

spectrum

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Frequently asked questions

What is a plectrum used for?

A plectrum is used to pluck or strum the strings of instruments such as a guitar, mandolin or lyre.

What is the plural of plectrum?

The plural can be plectrums or plectra.

Is a plectrum the same as a guitar pick?

Yes, in the musical sense they mean the same thing. Pick is the more common term in American English, while plectrum is often heard in Britain.

What is the meaning of plectrum?

"plectrum" (noun) means a small piece of plastic, metal or similar material used for plucking the strings of an instrument such as a guitar.

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choice pick piece choose clean favorite foot throw