theremin

noun the·re·min \ ˈther-ə-mən \

Updated on: 1 Apr 2018

Definition of theremin

: a purely melodic electronic musical instrument typically played by moving the hands in the electromagnetic fields surrounding two projecting antennae

Recent Examples of theremin from the Web

The music is performed by a chamber orchestra of unusual orchestration: theremin, soprano sax, trombone, piano, organ, harpsichord, percussion and vocals.

— christopher arnott, courant.com, "'Pepperland' Dance First Major Work Announced For Arts & Ideas," 16 Mar. 2018
Much of the video shows the band fooling around with the amazing echo from the tower, on instruments like drums, electric guitar and theremin.

— sophie weiner, Popular Mechanics, "This Is How a Snare Drum Sounds in a Nuclear Cooling Tower," 23 Feb. 2018
Most comics use the setup and punch line like a nail and hammer, but Dangerfield used them as a theremin player uses her hands, to bring forth strange, unexpected effects.

— alex halberstadt, New York Times, "Letter of Recommendation: Rodney Dangerfield," 26 Jan. 2018
In their attempt to mimic the Beatles, the band employed new instrumentation and sounds, including the Mellotron, theremin, African rhythms, guitar loops, radio static and string arrangements from future Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones.

— william goodman, Billboard, "How The Rolling Stones Found Themselves on 'Satanic Majesties Request' by Getting Lost," 8 Dec. 2017
In the contorted Waltz, performed with mutes that alter the string sound, Mr. Shaw’s cello evokes a ghoulish theremin.

— barbara jepson, WSJ, "‘Voices of Defiance’ by the Dover Quartet Review: Music Born of Oppression," 11 Oct. 2017
Wishnefsky plans to try out for the show again, this time playing his theremin.

— mike sager, Esquire, "The Life of a Clown," 4 June 2015
Kalmar employed a musical saw, which gave just the right subtle color -- similar to that of a theremin - to help break from the stentorian pounding of the first and third movements.

— alan g. artner, chicagotribune.com, "Carlos Kalmar creates a crowd-pleaser at Grant Park," 24 June 2017
Don’t be surprised if the musicians bring out whips, congas or a theremin if it’s called for.

— randy mcmullen, The Mercury News, "Black Choreographers Festival returns with passion and politics," 8 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theremin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.