fretboard

noun

fret·​board ˈfret-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce fretboard (audio)
plural fretboards
: the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the pitch : fingerboard
especially : one that has frets (see fret entry 5)
Her three-ply maple neck, black laminated spruce and maple body, pearl inlaid ebony fretboard, and gold-plated … pickups flash in the spotlights. Mike Sager

Examples of fretboard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Core features a three-quarter-sized poplar body and roasted maple neck with a 25.5-inch scale length and 14-inch fretboard radius. New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2025 Trey’s ear-to-fretboard data transfer time is unparalleled. Charna Flam, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025 Trigger has holes, scratches and its fretboard is worn down nearly flat. Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Wayne’s command of the fretboard often surprised listeners, shattering any preconceptions about The Osmonds as mere teen idols and earning him respect in rock circles. Darryn King, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fretboard

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fretboard was in 1822

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Cite this Entry

“Fretboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fretboard. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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