bouzouki

noun

bou·​zou·​ki bü-ˈzü-kē How to pronounce bouzouki (audio)
plural bouzoukis also bouzoukia bü-ˈzü-kē-ə How to pronounce bouzouki (audio)
: a long-necked stringed instrument of Greek origin that resembles a mandolin

Examples of bouzouki in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kevin Burke, Nuala Kennedy, and Eamon O’Leary: County Louth songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nuala Kennedy and Dublin guitarist and bouzouki player Eamon O’Leary have performed widely together as a duo and in the trio The Alt. Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 This is heartfelt balladry spotlighting his almost lute-like virtuosity on guitar (both 6- and 12-string) and bouzouki (delicate, fragile, nothing Zorba-esque) and his mix of melancholy and introspection embodied in his earthy singing. Steve Hochman, SPIN, 3 Jan. 2024 Accompanied by bassist Brandon Rauch and drummer Beth Goodfellow, Schloss’ guitar and bouzouki playing was even more mind-blowing and dynamic, his voice even earthier, more expressive than on the records. Steve Hochman, SPIN, 3 Jan. 2024 This is the second day ever in his life that Chris has played bouzouki! Chris Willman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2023 Attendees can learn dances and follow along to the music of the bouzouki. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Aug. 2023 The group features co-founders Robin Jones (vocals, banjo and bouzouki) and Tomos Williams (guitars, bass, keyboards and percussion), along with recent addition Polly Bolton (vocals, mandolin, bouzouki and banjo). George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023 The bouzouki – a long-necked stringed instrument in the same family as the lute and mandolin – is what gives Greek folk music its distinctive sound. The Enquirer, 20 June 2023 He’ll be joined by fiddler Jenna Moynihan, guitarist Kyle Sanna, and Owen Marshall on bouzouki, mandolin and banjo. Lauren Daley, BostonGlobe.com, 4 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bouzouki.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Modern Greek mpouzouki

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bouzouki was in 1939

Dictionary Entries Near bouzouki

Cite this Entry

“Bouzouki.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bouzouki. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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