theremin

noun

the·​re·​min ˈther-ə-mən How to pronounce theremin (audio)
: a purely melodic electronic musical instrument typically played by moving the hands in the electromagnetic fields surrounding two projecting antennae

Examples of theremin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Think about those spooky sounds in old horror movies, that's a theremin. Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 11 June 2025 Ahead of that, a special event held in Episode 5 (out Feb. 14) will present an opportunity for more theremin playing, though Miss Huang will be irked to be snubbed again. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 9 Feb. 2025 The theremin’s long history was also part of the appeal. IEEE Spectrum, 20 Dec. 2013 Rui plays the song on his theremin, and Totsuko dances for her friends and for herself, coming alive. Kayti Burt, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for theremin

Word History

Etymology

modification of Russian termen-voks from Lev Sergeevich Termen (Léon Thérémin) †1993 Russian engineer & inventor + Latin vox voice

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theremin was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Theremin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theremin. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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