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

sitar

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.

Word forms

sitars plural, Sitars plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
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

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial