harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmä-ni-kə 

1

: glass harmonica

2

: a small rectangular wind instrument with free reeds recessed in air slots from which tones are sounded by exhaling and inhaling

harmonicist

här-ˈmä-nə-sist 

noun

Examples of harmonica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Born in 1933 in Macclesfield, England, Mayall learned guitar, piano, and harmonica while growing up. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 24 July 2024

And after those many years, Young’s upcoming album features a reciprocal harmonica solo by Neil Young. —Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2024

Carrying an early affinity for American jazz and Blues, Mayall taught himself to play the piano, guitar and harmonica, according to the Hall of Fame. —Dan Heching, CNN, 23 July 2024

His father was an amateur guitarist and jazz enthusiast, and young Mayall fell under the sway of American jazz and blues stars as a youth, teaching himself piano, guitar and harmonica. —Chris Morris, Variety, 23 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian armonica, feminine of armonico harmonious

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing harmonica

• glass harmonica

Kids Definition

harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmän-i-kə 

: a small musical instrument that is held in the hand and played by the mouth and that produces a sound through metal reeds which vibrate as air is blown or drawn past them