guitar

gui-tar · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A stringed musical instrument with a fretted fingerboard, typically having six strings, played by plucking or strumming with the fingers or a pick.

  2. 2.

    (with modifier) A variant or related form of this instrument.

Forms

plural: guitars

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    acoustic guitar — A guitar that uses only acoustic amplification
  • •
    electric guitar — A guitar that uses electronic pickups and amplifiers
  • •
    air guitar — Pretending to play guitar without an instrument
  • •
    guitar solo — A section of a song featuring prominent guitar playing

Related words

See also: banjo, bass, ukulele
Synonyms: six-string

Etymology

From Spanish guitarra, from Arabic qīṯārah, from Greek kithara ("lyre"), an ancient stringed instrument.