ENGLISH
REFERENCE

piano

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //piˈænə// UK //pɪˈænəʊ// pi·ano General-service

n. a large musical instrument with a row of black and white keys. You play it by pressing the keys with your fingers to make sounds.

n. a large keyboard musical instrument in which felt-covered hammers strike metal strings. The sound is produced by the vibration of these strings and can be modified by foot pedals.


SIMPLE

She practices the piano for an hour every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The movers carefully carried the heavy piano into the living room and placed it against the wall.

COMPLEX

While the digital version offers convenience and portability, many purists argue that a traditional acoustic piano provides a superior depth of tone and tactile response.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

Clipping of pianoforte, from Italian pianoforte, from piano (“soft”) + forte (“strong”). So named because it could produce a wide range of varied volumes note-by-note, in contrast to older keyboard instruments, notably the harpsichord. Doublet of llano, plain, and plane.

Etymology 2

From Italian piano.

Usage

When referring to the ability to play, the definite article 'the' is typically used ('play the piano').

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference