piano

²pi·ano

noun \pē-ˈa-(ˌ)nō also -ˈä-\

plural pianos

Definition of PIANO

: a musical instrument having steel wire strings that sound when struck by felt-covered hammers operated from a keyboard

Examples of PIANO

1. Do you play the piano?
2. He takes piano lessons on Wednesdays.

Origin of PIANO

Italian, short for pianoforte, from gravicembalo col piano e forte, literally, harpsichord with soft and loud; from the fact that its tones could be varied in loudness

First Known Use: 1803

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue