theremin

noun the·re·min \ ˈther-ə-mən \

|Updated on: 21 Jul 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

There’s one singer, Clinton Curtis; many vocal lines are given to the theremin (played by Rob Schimmer), not a Beatles instrument but one whose weird sonority adds its own layer of drama.

— alastair macaulay, New York Times, "Review: Mark Morris’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," 22 June 2018
He's also got Bob Moog's personal MemoryMoog Synthesizer, a bargain struck after Moog couldn't deliver on a theremin promised Mothersbaugh while the electronics firm worked out the kinks.

— john wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Take a Tour Through Mark Mothersbaugh's Synth Collection," 3 Feb. 2015
Its shape resembles that of an eighth note, and its sound has been likened to that of a theremin.

— stephen j. beard, Indianapolis Star, "How an Otamatone came to play 'Back Home Again'," 24 May 2018
The dynamic young Bay Area string quartet is joined by theremin virtuoso Thorwald Jørgensen in a program of music by Simon Bertrand and Dalit Warshaw.

— chronicle staff report, San Francisco Chronicle, "Bay Area arts and entertainment picks for May 18-20," 17 May 2018
Francois Chambard, maker of conductive wallpaper and adorable theremins, is back with a clever new line of furniture called Patch.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "This interactive furniture line runs on solar power," 24 Apr. 2018
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

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.