hurdy-gurdy

noun

hur·dy-gur·dy | \ ˌhər-dē-ˈgər-dē

How to pronounce hurdy-gurdy (audio)

, 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)

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about hurdy-gurdy

Dictionary Entries near hurdy-gurdy

Statistics for hurdy-gurdy

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for hurdy-gurdy

The first known use of hurdy-gurdy was in 1745

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for hurdy-gurdy

hurdy-gurdy

noun

English 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).

WORD OF THE DAY

nosegay

a small bunch of flowers

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ