# guitar

/ɡɪˈtɑɹ/ (US) · /ɡɪtˈɑː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guitar
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. musical instrument

noun · CEFR A1

a musical instrument with six strings and a long neck, played by plucking the strings.

For teachers: a chordophone with a fretted fingerboard and typically six strings, played by plucking or strumming with the fingers or a plectrum.

- He started learning the guitar when he was ten years old.
- The lead guitarist spent hours tuning his instrument before the concert began to ensure the acoustic resonance was perfect for the venue.

### 2. to play the guitar

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to play the guitar, especially in a casual way.

For teachers: to perform on or play the guitar; used as an intransitive verb in informal contexts.

- We spent the whole evening singing and guitaring around the campfire.
- After the formal set ended, the musicians stayed on stage just guitaring for their own amusement while the roadies packed up the gear.

Usage: This verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

## Examples

- He plays the guitar in a rock band.
- She decided to take guitar lessons because she wanted to learn how to play her favorite songs.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.