harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmä-ni-kə 

1

: glass harmonica

2

: a small rectangular wind instrument with free reeds recessed in air slots from which tones are sounded by exhaling and inhaling

harmonicist

här-ˈmä-nə-sist 

noun

Examples of harmonica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

DeFord Bailey, a Black harmonica player whose influence spread to country and blues genres, was the first artist to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, which became instrumental in setting Nashville up as a major country music hub. —Marina Watts, People.com, 27 May 2025

In addition to singing with Simpson, King played harmonica during the duet. —Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025

An Acme Thunder bandmate, Billy Prewitt, recalled performing double harmonica solos on stage with Aliotta. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

As a young harmonica player, Josh performed with Grammy winners as well as Blues and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian armonica, feminine of armonico harmonious

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing harmonica

• glass harmonica

Rhymes for harmonica

• japonica
• veronica
• chronica
• hanukkah

Kids Definition

harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmän-i-kə 

: a small musical instrument that is held in the hand and played by the mouth and that produces a sound through metal reeds which vibrate as air is blown or drawn past them