harpsichord

noun

harp·​si·​chord ˈhärp-si-ˌkȯrd 

: a stringed instrument resembling a grand piano but usually having two keyboards and two or more strings for each note and producing tones by the plucking of strings with plectra

harpsichordist

ˈhärp-si-ˌkȯr-dist 

noun

Examples of harpsichord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of that otherworldliness derives from Jimi Hendrix venturing forward into unknown sonic territory, blending a stately harpsichord with a plucked guitar, running his vocals through a phaser, and taking his new wah-wah pedal for a test run. —Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024

The melody is underscored by a series of pulsing broken chords, and the sound of a harpsichord adds a stately flourish. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2024

At Houghton Hall, Dame Magdalene’s sculptures do not just sit on tabletops or in niches or atop a harpsichord. —Mitchell Owens, Architectural Digest, 2 Aug. 2024

Listen closer, and the harpsichord is actually a guitar riff, distorted like many of the other instruments on Only God Was Above Us. —Alex Suskind, Vulture, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

modification of Italian arpicordo, from arpa harp + corda string

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

harpsichord

noun

harp·​si·​chord ˈhärp-si-ˌkȯ(ə)rd 

: a keyboard instrument similar to a piano but with strings that are plucked rather than struck