noun

theremin

THER-uh-min

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Theremin (noun) means an electronic musical instrument played without touching it, where moving the hands near two antennas changes the pitch and volume. Example: “She waved her hands over the theremin to bend the note upward.”

noun

An electronic musical instrument played without touching it, where moving the hands near two antennas changes the pitch and volume.

"She waved her hands over the theremin to bend the note upward."

"The film's eerie soundtrack was recorded on a theremin."

"He built his own theremin from a kit and practised controlling the pitch by ear."

How to use theremin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA theremin is an electronic instrument you play by moving your hands in the air near it, never touching it.

When to use it

It is a specific, neutral term used in music and film contexts.

Memory tip

Picture hands waving near two antennas with no contact at all; that gesture is what defines a theremin.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

play the theremin theremin player eerie theremin sound

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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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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She waved her hands over the _____ to bend the note upward.

Etymology

The instrument is named after its Russian inventor, Léon Theremin, who lived from 1896 to 1993. Theremin is the French form of his Russian name, Lev Termen.

Origin: French

Frequently asked questions

What is a theremin?

It is an electronic instrument played without any physical contact, controlled by moving the hands near two antennas to change pitch and volume.

Who invented the theremin?

It was invented by the Russian inventor Léon Theremin, and the instrument's name is the French version of his Russian name, Lev Termen.

How do you play a theremin?

You move one hand closer to or further from one antenna to change the pitch, and the other hand near the second antenna to control the volume, without touching the instrument.

What is the meaning of theremin?

"theremin" (noun) means an electronic musical instrument played without touching it, where moving the hands near two antennas changes the pitch and volume.