To save this word, you'll need to log in.
hur·dy-gur·dy | \ ˌhər-dē-ˈgər-dē 
, ˈhər-dē-ˌgər- \
, ˈhər-dē-ˌgər- \ plural hurdy-gurdies
Definition of hurdy-gurdy
1 : a stringed instrument in which sound is produced by the friction of a rosined wheel turned by a crank against the strings and the pitches are varied by keys
2 : any of various mechanical musical instruments (such as the barrel organ)
Illustration of hurdy-gurdy
hurdy-gurdy 1
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for hurdy-gurdy
hurdy-gurdy
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of hurdy-gurdy
: a stringed musical instrument that is played by turning a handle
See the full definition for hurdy-gurdy in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on hurdy-gurdy
What made you want to look up hurdy-gurdy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
More Confusing Words—Quiz
- The magician
______moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- More Confusing Words—Quiz
How many of these commonly confused words do you know?
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share hurdy-gurdy
Time Traveler for hurdy-gurdy
The first known use of hurdy-gurdy was in 1745
See more words from the same year