guitar

noun

gui·​tar gə-ˈtär How to pronounce guitar (audio)
gi-,
 especially Southern and Midland US also  ˈgi-ˌtär
: a flat-bodied stringed instrument with a long fretted neck and usually six strings played with a pick or with the fingers
guitarist noun

Illustration of guitar

Illustration of guitar
  • 1 electric
  • 2 acoustic

Examples of guitar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Music Jeff Lynne brings ELO to the Forum one last time Oct. 27, 2024 What still excites you about the guitar? Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 The singer donned a short wig as well as Prince’s iconic purple coat and boots from the movie while holding a matching guitar. Staff Author, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 The sound was exquisite with the balance between the vocals, piano, bass, guitar and brush drums just perfect. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Daryl’s surprisingly emotional singing along to Laurent’s guitar cover got to me more than the closing music. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for guitar 

Word History

Etymology

French guitare, from Spanish guitarra, from Arabic qītār, from Greek kithara cithara

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guitar was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near guitar

Cite this Entry

“Guitar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guitar. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

guitar

noun
gui·​tar gə-ˈtär How to pronounce guitar (audio)
: a stringed instrument with a flat body, a long neck with frets, and usually six strings that are played with the fingers or with a pick
guitarist noun
Etymology

from French guitare "guitar," derived from Arabic qītār (same meaning)

More from Merriam-Webster on guitar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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