oud

noun

ˈüd How to pronounce oud (audio)
: a musical instrument of the lute family used in southwest Asia and northern Africa

Word History

Etymology

Arabic ʽūd, literally, wood

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oud was in 1738

Browse Nearby Words

oucht
oud
Oudenaarde
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oud. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oud

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