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
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Cite this Entry
“Hurdy-gurdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurdy-gurdy. Accessed 17 May. 2022.
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Time Traveler for hurdy-gurdy
The first known use of hurdy-gurdy was in 1745
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