mandolin

noun

man·​do·​lin ˌman-də-ˈlin How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-də-lən
variants or less commonly mandoline
ˌman-də-ˈlēn How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-də-lən
1
: a musical instrument of the lute family that has a usually pear-shaped body and fretted neck and four to six pairs of strings
2
usually mandoline [French, from Italian mandolino mandolin] : a kitchen utensil with a blade for slicing and shredding
mandolinist noun

Illustration of mandolin

Illustration of mandolin
  • mandolin 1

Examples of mandolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With Garcia on banjo, Rowan playing guitar, and Grisman taking up mandolin duties, the ensemble also featured Kahn on bass. Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2024 Steven Van Zandt: harmony and backing vocals, rhythm and lead guitars, mandolin (1975-1984, 1995, 1999-present). Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 From side-splitting stage comedies to a mandolin love story and a look at Ayesha Curry’s burgeoning acting career, there is a lot to see and do this weekend in the Bay Area. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 Musician and professor Chris Waterman's liner notes to the 1985 compilation album, Juju Roots 1930s - 1950s (Rounder), describes how British companies brought banjos (as well as guitars, mandolins and country music records) to Nigeria. Aaron Cohen, NPR, 5 Apr. 2024 The guitarist also sings and plays keyboards, cello, harmonica and mandolin. Bryan West, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2024 Elders played fiddle and mandolin in Strait's band since 1984. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2024 Kitchen Dwellers comprise Torrin Daniels (banjo), Max Davies (acoustic guitar), Joe Funk (upright bass) and Shawn Swain (mandolin). Xander Zellner, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024 The concert will feature Baroque mandolin and harpsichord music by Scarlatti, Bach, Ortiz and Vivaldi, among others. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mandolin.' 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

Italian mandolino, diminutive of mandola

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mandolin was in 1707

Dictionary Entries Near mandolin

Cite this Entry

“Mandolin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mandolin. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

mandolin

noun
man·​do·​lin ˌman-də-ˈlin How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-dᵊl-ən
variants also mandoline
ˌman-də-ˈlēn How to pronounce mandolin (audio)
ˈman-dᵊl-ən
: a stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body and four to six pairs of strings played by plucking

More from Merriam-Webster on mandolin

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