theorbo

noun

the·​or·​bo thē-ˈȯr-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce theorbo (audio)
plural theorbos
: a stringed instrument of the 17th century resembling a large lute but having an extra set of long bass strings

Illustration of theorbo

Illustration of theorbo

Examples of theorbo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nathaniel Cox toggled throughout the night between his theorbo (an extremely long-necked lute) and the mythic-seeming cornetto, a hybrid of wind and brass, with the body of a flute (often made of either hardwood or bone) and the mouthpiece of a trumpet. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023 Oddly, the theorbo is my newest obsession of all early Renaissance musical instruments. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023 There’s a Spanish duo (brothers) who play and record music featuring the theorbo if anyone is interested. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023 Along with Lebedinsky, the group includes Kati Kyme on viola, William Skeen on violoncello and viola da gamba, Kevin Cooper on the lute-like theorbo, and violinists Aaron Westman and Anna Washburn. Beth Woodcontributor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2023 Over that electronic polyphony, accompanists on period instruments, including the theorbo (a long-necked lute), improvised sometimes plangent, sometimes dissonant improvisations. Jason Farago, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023 Il Pomo d’Oro—a twenty-some-piece orchestra including harpsichord and theorbo — took their places flanking the platform on both sides. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2023 In another change from past years, the period-instruments orchestra will include a continuo contingent of chamber organ and theorbo (a bass lute) as well as cello and harpsichord. Dallas News, 15 Dec. 2022 The ensemble consists of music students from Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire who play on baroque-era style instruments including harpsichord, theorbo (a type of lute), baroque violin and viola da gamba. Sheryl Devore, chicagotribune.com, 23 Nov. 2021

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

modification of Italian tiorba, teorba

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theorbo was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near theorbo

Cite this Entry

“Theorbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorbo. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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