theorbo

noun

the·​or·​bo thē-ˈȯr-(ˌ)bō 

plural theorbos

: a stringed instrument of the 17th century resembling a large lute but having an extra set of long bass strings

Illustration of theorbo

Examples of theorbo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are voices, like Mariamielle Lamagat’s and Themba Mvula’s, to stop you in your tracks; there are pieces of the eclectic orchestra that delight by their presence alone — a baritone flute, a theorbo lute, a bunch of plastic buckets played with drumsticks. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025

She be accompanied by a five-piece group, led by ace pianist Sullivan Fortner, that includes Dušan Balarin on theorbo, a bass flute that has 14 strings and can measure more than six feet from end to end. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

Under her direction, the show featured a pit band of musicians who played Elizabethan instruments like the shawm, sackbut, theorbo, hurdy-gurdy, cittern, tabor and rauschpfeife. — Alex Traub, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025

There’s a Spanish duo (brothers) who play and record music featuring the theorbo if anyone is interested. — Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023

In another change from past years, the period-instruments orchestra will include a continuo contingent of chamber organ and theorbo (a bass lute) as well as cello and harpsichord. — Dallas News, 15 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

modification of Italian tiorba, teorba

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above