cittern

noun

cit·​tern ˈsi-tərn How to pronounce cittern (audio)
variants or less commonly cithern
ˈsi-t͟hərn How to pronounce cittern (audio)
-thərn
or cithren
: a Renaissance stringed instrument like a guitar with a flat pear-shaped body

Examples of cittern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The group brings to the stage a diverse array of instruments, including the accordion, fiddle, bodhran, and cittern, along with vocals and an element of dance. Grace Dickinson, Philly.com, 4 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cittern.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

blend of cither and gittern

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cittern was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near cittern

Cite this Entry

“Cittern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cittern. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on cittern

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!