harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmä-ni-kə How to pronounce harmonica (audio)
1
: a small rectangular wind instrument with free reeds recessed in air slots from which tones are sounded by exhaling and inhaling
2
harmonicist noun

Examples of harmonica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spoonful alum John Sebastian, former War harmonica ace Lee Oskar and guitar star Tommy Emmanuel. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 Fitting his divergent cast of sounds into such a little space meant becoming a master of instrumental ambiguity, the type of composer/programmer able to make a lead guitar waveform sound like a harmonica. Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2026 The result became one of the most compelling film scores of the season, featuring Göransson’s signature grandiose scale melded seamlessly with classic blues guitars and harmonicas, along with other staples of the Delta like gospel and folk as well as Irish standards. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 12 Feb. 2026 Springsteen’s upbeat new anthem features his signature grainy voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar intro, rolling keyboards, and a harmonica solo. Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for harmonica

Word History

Etymology

Italian armonica, feminine of armonico harmonious

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of harmonica was in 1762

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Cite this Entry

“Harmonica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harmonica. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

harmonica

noun
har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmän-i-kə How to pronounce harmonica (audio)
: a small musical instrument that is held in the hand and played by the mouth and that produces a sound through metal reeds which vibrate as air is blown or drawn past them

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