Word
mandolin
Phoneticsman·dolin
US/ˈmændəˌɫɪn/
UK/mˈændəlˌɪn/
Definition
n. a small musical instrument with eight strings that you play with a pick. It looks like a small violin and is common in folk and classical music.
n. a small stringed musical instrument with a fretted neck and a wooden body, typically having four double strings. It is played with a plectrum and is common in folk, classical, and jazz traditions.
Examples
“He plays a beautiful melody on his mandolin.”
“The folk band added a mandolin to their lineup to give the traditional songs a brighter, more rhythmic sound.”
“While often associated with Italian folk music, the mandolin has found a significant place in bluegrass and classical ensembles, where its bright, percussive timbre provides a distinct rhythmic drive.”
Examples
simple
“He plays a beautiful melody on his mandolin.”
contextual
“The folk band added a mandolin to their lineup to give the traditional songs a brighter, more rhythmic sound.”
complex
“While often associated with Italian folk music, the mandolin has found a significant place in bluegrass and classical ensembles, where its bright, percussive timbre provides a distinct rhythmic drive.”
Etymology
From French mandoline, from Italian mandolino, diminutive of mandola, a large stringed instrument.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.