Jew's harp

noun

ˈjüz-ˌhärp 

ˈjüs-

variants or Jews' harp

: a small lyre-shaped instrument that when held between the teeth gives tones from a metal tongue struck by the finger

Illustration of Jew's harp

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

Jew's harp

noun

variants or Jews' harp

ˈjüz-ˌhärp 

: a small simple musical instrument that consists of a flexible metal strip attached at one end to a flat pear-shaped frame and that is played by plucking the strip while holding the frame between the teeth