ENGLISH
REFERENCE

guitar

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ɡɪˈtɑɹ// UK //ɡɪtˈɑː// gui·tar General-service Informal

n. a musical instrument with six strings that you play by pulling or hitting the strings with your fingers or a small plastic tool.

n. a stringed musical instrument, typically having six strings, a long neck with frets, and a hollow wooden body or an electric amplifier. Played by plucking or strumming with the fingers or a plectrum.


SIMPLE

He plays the guitar in a rock band.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to take guitar lessons because she wanted to learn how to play her favorite songs.

COMPLEX

The acoustic guitar produces sound through the vibration of the strings coupled with the resonance of its hollow body, whereas electric models require external amplification to be heard clearly.

Origin

Etymology tree Ancient Greek κῐθᾰ́ρᾱ (kĭthắrā)bor. Aramaic קיתראbor. Arabic قِيثَارَة (qīṯāra)bor. Old Spanish guitarra Spanish guitarrabor. English guitar From Spanish guitarra, from Arabic قِيثَارَة (qīṯāra), from Ancient Greek κῐθᾰ́ρᾱ (kĭthắrā). Doublet of cithara, cither, and zither.

Usage

Commonly used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the skill of playing ('play the guitar').

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