harp

noun \ ˈhärp \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of harp

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 2

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harpist

play \ˈhär-pist\ noun

See harp defined for English-language learners

See harp defined for kids

Recent Examples of harp from the Web

Scored for strings, harp, and percussion, its timbral palette is restricted, which in turn may have restrained the composer from his usual exaggerated orchestration and dynamics.

— christian hertzog, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego Symphony celebrates Leonard Bernstein's centennial with a lovely 'Serenade'," 5 May 2018
Handrails double as harps; a staircase works like a synth; windows becomes percussion instruments.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "Art collective wants to take its ‘musical house’ on tour," 2 May 2018
Local Authors Showcase: Friday, April 13, 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a charming selection of Irish, Classical, Broadway and folk harp music played by Harpist Debra Vinick, while meeting and greeting local authors and enjoying light refreshments.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windsor Edition," 10 Apr. 2018
While meteors can appear in any part of the sky, most will seem to radiate from the shower's namesake constellation Lyra, the harp.

— andrew fazekas, National Geographic, "How to See the 2018 Lyrid Meteor Shower," 20 Apr. 2018
Local Authors Showcase: Friday, April 13, 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a charming selection of Irish, Classical, Broadway and folk harp music played by Harpist Debra Vinick, while meeting and greeting local authors and enjoying light refreshments.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windsor Edition," 10 Apr. 2018
For such an electronic deluge, the music often found its tension mixing more organic elements – booming tribal percussion, a space-age marimba and, briefly, Jarre's old trademark, the laser harp.

— andrew dansby, Houston Chronicle, "Back to the future: Jean-Michel Jarre brings a feast of sound and light," 11 Apr. 2018
The only other person on stage — or, rather, above it, perched in a tree — is musician Daniel Perelstein, accompanying the actors on harp and trombone.

— lauren mccutcheon, Philly.com, "Arden's 'Snow White': seven dwarfs in 60 seconds, and a new way for kids to see themselves," 10 Apr. 2018
Local Authors Showcase: Friday, April 13, 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a charming selection of Irish, Classical, Broadway and folk harp music played by Harpist Debra Vinick, while meeting and greeting local authors and enjoying light refreshments.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windsor Edition," 10 Apr. 2018

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.