harp

\ ˈhärp

How to pronounce harp (audio)

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Definition of harp

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a plucked stringed instrument consisting of a resonator, an arched or angled neck that may be supported by a post, and strings of graded length that are perpendicular to the soundboard

2 : something resembling a harp

3 : harmonica sense 2

harp

harped; harping; harps

Definition of harp (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to play on a harp

2 : to dwell on or recur to a subject tiresomely or monotonously —usually used with on

Other Words from harp Example Sentences Learn More about harp

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Examples of harp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The selections are by Mozart (Serenade in C minor, K. 388, for wind octet), Brahms (Viola Quintet in G major, Op. 111), Ravel (Introduction and Allegro for harp, flute, clarinet and string quartet) and George Walker (Lyric for Strings). — Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, "With normal concerts canceled, Dallas Symphony makes new audience connections," 18 June 2020 Waters' vocals are brilliant and that band is amazing, from Francis Clay's drumming to Otis Spann's raucous piano work and James Cotton on snarling blues harp. — Ed Masley, azcentral, "20 essential live albums to stream while you're waiting for concerts to return," 5 June 2020 The first musical instrument made of upright wine glasses was called the glass harp and was invented around 1750. — Science Buddies, Scientific American, "Singing Glasses," 26 Nov. 2015 Since 2016, Marquard has been doing just that, blending a passion for songwriting, harp playing, and story-telling through song. — Morgan Baila, refinery29.com, "Caroline Marquard’s “Never Should’ve Left” Is A Song About Do-Overs," 22 May 2020 Depending on the music being performed, harps, pianos and even electronic instruments may be included on occasion. — David Buice, Dallas News, "Meet 3 Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians sparking change with exceptional music," 5 Mar. 2020 Emil Miland, cello; Ann Moss, soprano; Meredith Clark, harp. 4 p.m. Sun., Jan. 21. — Chronicle Staff Report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Classical music and dance listings," 18 Jan. 2018 The Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio organizes the festival, which includes traditional Highland athletics, Ohio’s strongest Celt, stones of strength, Highland dance, and harp and fiddle. — Marc Bona, cleveland, "Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival canceled," 28 Apr. 2020 During this sequence, the audience hears strings, flute, harp and piano. — Michael Slowik, The Conversation, "The secret to the success of two Oscar-nominated scores," 10 Feb. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The piece opens with agitated flourishes in the guitar and harp that build to a sudden exclamation. — Tim Diovanni, Dallas News, "The Davin-Levin Duo’s relaxing debut album, ‘Banter,’ couldn’t have come at a better time," 22 Apr. 2020 The biggest thing that everyone has harped on has been the cash payments. — Alvin Melathe, The Atlantic, "Social Distance: Will $2 Trillion Be Enough?," 27 Mar. 2020 Seguin’s improved play in his own zone was one of the things that interim head coach Rick Bowness often harped on during Seguin’s drought. — Matthew Defranks, Dallas News, "Stars’ Best of the Season: Tyler Seguin’s OT goal in Montreal caps all-around night," 25 Mar. 2020 According to research, most of us are far more comfortably harping on our shortcomings than giving ourselves compliments. — Srini Pillay, Quartz at Work, "Picturing your own success can make you more successful," 21 Feb. 2020 The ball caught nothing but backboard, which Calipari harped upon postgame. — Hayes Gardner, The Courier-Journal, "Off the mark: UK's poor 3-point shooting against Ole Miss highlights weakness," 16 Feb. 2020 After Buttigieg harped on Klobuchar forgetting the name of Mexico's President, Warren came to her defence and said that this little faux pas is not the same as having in-concrete policies and plans like some of the other candidates on stage. — Leora Yashari, refinery29.com, "Bernie, Warren & Everyone Else Came For Bloomberg At The Democratic Debate," 20 Feb. 2020 Buttigieg had strong moments, but also harped on Klobuchar’s failure, during an interview, to come up with the name of the President of Mexico. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, "A Very Bad Night for Michael Bloomberg in a Chaotic Democratic Debate," 20 Feb. 2020 The strength coaches aren't sitting there harping on them to do a post workout stretch. — oregonlive, "Oregon State defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar loves what he’s seeing from ‘player-driven’ offseason workouts: Q and A," 10 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'harp.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near harp

harpactophagous

Statistics for harp

Last Updated

3 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Harp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harp. Accessed 9 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for harp

harp

noun

English Language Learners Definition of harp

: a musical instrument that has strings stretched across a large open frame and that is played with your fingers

See the full definition for harp in the English Language Learners Dictionary

harp

\ ˈhärp

\

Kids Definition of harp

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame set with strings that are plucked by the fingers

harp

harped; harping

Kids Definition of harp (Entry 2 of 2)

: to call attention to something over and over again The teacher harped on her mistake.

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