Jew's harp

noun

ˈjüz-ˌhärp 

ˈjüs-

variants or Jews' harp

: a small lyre-shaped instrument that when held between the teeth gives tones from a metal tongue struck by the finger

Illustration of Jew's harp

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Jew's harp

• carp
• scarp
• tarp
• endocarp
• pericarp

Kids Definition

Jew's harp

noun

variants or Jews' harp

ˈjüz-ˌhärp 

: a small simple musical instrument that consists of a flexible metal strip attached at one end to a flat pear-shaped frame and that is played by plucking the strip while holding the frame between the teeth