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
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.
As a surprise to Johnson, Iris Smith of Cakes by Iris created a larger-than-life groom's cake — a full-scale replica of his beloved guitar, Maple, with every detail, including the signatures on the front. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 22 May 2025 Seated on a stool with an acoustic guitar and surrounded by a semi-circle of 11 ace musicians, Simon delivered ruminations, deliberations and hymns via soft, deceivingly casual phrasings. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 Everything about the guitar is quality - really amazing components. Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 This rare, hands-on recording museum highlights the sonic legacy of guitar god Les Paul. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guitar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guitar. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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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