mandolin

noun

man·​do·​lin ˌman-də-ˈlin 

ˈman-də-lən

variants or less commonly mandoline

ˌman-də-ˈlēn 

ˈman-də-lən

1

: a musical instrument of the lute family that has a usually pear-shaped body and fretted neck and four to six pairs of strings

2

usually mandoline [French, from Italian mandolino mandolin] : a kitchen utensil with a blade for slicing and shredding

mandolinist

ˌman-də-ˈli-nist 

noun

Illustration of mandolin

• mandolin 1

Examples of mandolin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Nickel Creek consists of four truly exceptional musicians, and three of them are singing complex harmonies while shredding on mandolin, violin and guitar, respectively. —Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024

Franco and Andrea, the hotel’s longtime musicians, strum their guitars and mandolin while suspended candles cast the scene in a magical glow. —Spencer Whaley, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

The group’s Jesse Brock was also named mandolin player of the year. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2024

When slicing, a mandolin makes quick work of the process, but a sharp knife will also do. Need a break? —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian mandolino, diminutive of mandola

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mandolin

noun

man·​do·​lin ˌman-də-ˈlin 

ˈman-dᵊl-ən

variants also mandoline

ˌman-də-ˈlēn 

ˈman-dᵊl-ən

: a stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body and four to six pairs of strings played by plucking