hurdy-gurdy

noun

hur·​dy-gur·​dy ˌhər-dē-ˈgər-dē 

ˈhər-dē-ˌgər-

plural hurdy-gurdies

1

: a stringed instrument in which sound is produced by the friction of a rosined wheel turned by a crank against the strings and the pitches are varied by keys

2

: any of various mechanical musical instruments (such as the barrel organ)

Illustration of hurdy-gurdy

• hurdy-gurdy 1

Word History

Etymology

probably imitative

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hurdy-gurdy

noun

hur·​dy-gur·​dy

ˌhərd-ē-ˈgərd-ē

plural hurdy-gurdies

: a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by turning a crank

especially : barrel organ