piano

n. a large musical instrument with a row of black and white keys that you press with your fingers.

n. a percussive keyboard instrument in which pressing a key causes a felt-covered hammer to strike steel strings.

“She started taking piano lessons when she was only five years old.”

“The concert grand piano occupied the centre of the stage, its polished mahogany surface reflecting the overhead spotlights.”

adj. used in music to describe a sound that is soft or quiet.

adj. pertaining to a quiet or soft volume of sound; used as a dynamic marking in musical scores.

“The next part of the song is piano, so play it very gently.”

“The composer marked the passage piano to ensure the delicate woodwind melody would not be overwhelmed by the strings.”

Technical

adv. to play a piece of music softly.

adv. performed at a low volume; functions as a musical direction.

“The teacher told the student to play the chorus piano this time.”

“The sonata begins piano, gradually building in intensity until it reaches a powerful climax in the final movement.”

Technical

v. to move your fingers up and down on a surface like you are playing the piano.

v. to move the fingers in a rhythmic, tapping motion suggestive of a pianist playing the instrument.

“He pianoed his fingers on the desk while he waited for the phone to ring.”

“She pianoed her long fingers across the armrest of the chair, betraying a hidden nervousness despite her calm expression.”

Literary