Illustration of theorbo
theorbo
noun
the·or·bo
thē-ˈȯr-(ˌ)bō 
plural theorbos
: a stringed instrument of the 17th century resembling a large lute but having an extra set of long bass strings
Examples of theorbo in a Sentence
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She be accompanied by a five-piece group, led by ace pianist Sullivan Fortner, that includes Dušan Balarin on theorbo, a bass flute that has 14 strings and can measure more than six feet from end to end.
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George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Under her direction, the show featured a pit band of musicians who played Elizabethan instruments like the shawm, sackbut, theorbo, hurdy-gurdy, cittern, tabor and rauschpfeife.
—Alex Traub, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025
There’s a Spanish duo (brothers) who play and record music featuring the theorbo if anyone is interested.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023
In another change from past years, the period-instruments orchestra will include a continuo contingent of chamber organ and theorbo (a bass lute) as well as cello and harpsichord.
—Dallas News, 15 Dec. 2022
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George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
Under her direction, the show featured a pit band of musicians who played Elizabethan instruments like the shawm, sackbut, theorbo, hurdy-gurdy, cittern, tabor and rauschpfeife.
—Alex Traub, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025
There’s a Spanish duo (brothers) who play and record music featuring the theorbo if anyone is interested.
—Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023
In another change from past years, the period-instruments orchestra will include a continuo contingent of chamber organ and theorbo (a bass lute) as well as cello and harpsichord.
—Dallas News, 15 Dec. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Theorbo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theorbo. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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