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

Weeks later, Josh is kneeling on the ground, whipping out a harmonica and charismatically engaging with the crowd. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025

Tallulah, 31, shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of herself holding what appears to be a harmonica next to her dad. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

On one such night in August 1976, Young recorded ten in a row under the simplest of conditions — just himself, a guitar, a harmonica, and the occasional break for weed, beer, or coke. —Chris Stanton, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2025

Laron was a Veterans Administration draftsman who played the piano and harmonica, while Irene was a church pianist and organist. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 24 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for harmonica

• japonica
• veronica
• chronica
• hanukkah

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