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
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.
The band includes long-time musicians Michael Williams (guitar and vocals), Peter Sharpe (mandolin and vocals), Lenny Bole (banjo and dobro), and Given Harrison (bass and vocals). Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025 Taped early this year at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey, that show featured Springsteen accompanied by Larry Campbell (on guitar and mandolin) and Charlie Giordano (on celeste and synthesizer) and was filmed by director Thom Zimny. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025 In the early 1880s, mandolins were all the rage, and a wave of mandolin clubs emerged. Sarah Biegelsen, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025 With a sweet voice driven by acoustic guitars, analog textures and mandolin, Silva’s music is like an embrace for the soul, an invitation to celebrate our imperfections and connect with our inner essence. Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mandolin

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mandolin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mandolin. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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

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