English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

sitar

Quiz me More like this

Sitar (noun) means a long-necked plucked string instrument from North India, traditionally with a gourd body, used widely in Hindustani classical music. Example: “Ravi Shankar helped introduce the sitar to Western audiences in the 1960s.”

noun
1
A long-necked plucked string instrument from North India, traditionally with a gourd body, used widely in Hindustani classical music.
"Ravi Shankar helped introduce the sitar to Western audiences in the 1960s."
"She has studied the sitar since she was six years old."

How to use sitar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA classical Indian stringed instrument known for its distinctive, buzzing resonant sound.

Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like sitar.
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
sitars
Test yourself on “sitar” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Ravi Shankar helped introduce the _____ to Western audiences in the 1960s.

Etymology

From Persian sitar, literally "three strings," via Hindi and Urdu — related to the smaller Persian instrument called the setar.

Origin: Persian

Rhymes for sitar

See all rhymes for sitar →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sitar” mean?
The word “sitar” means a long-necked plucked string instrument from North India, traditionally with a gourd body, used widely in Hindustani classical music. In plain terms, a classical Indian stringed instrument known for its distinctive, buzzing resonant sound.
How do you use “sitar” in a sentence?
Here is “sitar” used in a sentence: “Ravi Shankar helped introduce the sitar to Western audiences in the 1960s.”
What part of speech is “sitar”?
“Sitar” is a noun.
Where does the word “sitar” come from?
The word “sitar” comes from Persian. From Persian sitar, literally "three strings," via Hindi and Urdu — related to the smaller Persian instrument called the setar.

Featured in