noun
theorbo
thee-OR-boh
Theorbo (noun) means a large baroque lute with two necks and a second course of unfretted bass strings for the low register. Example: “The continuo player switched from harpsichord to theorbo for the aria.”
noun
1
A large baroque lute with two necks and a second course of unfretted bass strings for the low register.
"The continuo player switched from harpsichord to theorbo for the aria."
"A theorbo's long extended neck holds the unstopped bass strings."
"She studied theorbo alongside the classical guitar."
How to use theorbo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big old lute with a long extra neck for deep bass strings, used in early music.
When to use it
A specialist musical term, mostly used by early-music and baroque performers.
Memory tip
The plural can be either theorbos or theorboes, so both are acceptable.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
play the theorbo
a theorbo player
continuo on theorbo
a baroque theorbo
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The continuo player switched from harpsichord to _____ for the aria.
Etymology
The word came into English from the Italian tiorba. That Italian term is itself traced back to Ottoman Turkish torba.
Synonyms
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chitarrone
Frequently asked questions
What is a theorbo used for?
It is a baroque instrument mainly used to play the bass line and chords in early music ensembles, a role known as continuo.
How is a theorbo different from a normal lute?
It has a second, extended neck carrying extra bass strings that are played open, without being pressed down on a fingerboard.
Is theorbo the same as chitarrone?
Chitarrone is a recognised synonym for theorbo, referring to the same type of double-necked bass lute.
What is the meaning of theorbo?
"theorbo" (noun) means a large baroque lute with two necks and a second course of unfretted bass strings for the low register.
