harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmä-ni-kə 

1

: glass harmonica

2

: a small rectangular wind instrument with free reeds recessed in air slots from which tones are sounded by exhaling and inhaling

harmonicist

här-ˈmä-nə-sist 

noun

Examples of harmonica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Featuring a core of pianist Andy Milne, chromatic harmonica maestro Grégoire Maret and Baum’s husband, drummer Jeff Hirshfield, the group was set to tour and record in June, 2020. —Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2025

The band not only rose to the challenge, but photographer Danny Clinch came out for an extended harmonica/guitar duel with Springsteen. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2025

Ennio Morricone’s music blends unconventional instruments with the unique sound effects of whistling, harmonica and electric guitar with orchestra. —Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

The Dallas native, 73, has played the harmonica since age 15. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 11 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian armonica, feminine of armonico harmonious

First Known Use

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing harmonica

• glass harmonica

Kids Definition

harmonica

noun

har·​mon·​i·​ca här-ˈmän-i-kə 

: a small musical instrument that is held in the hand and played by the mouth and that produces a sound through metal reeds which vibrate as air is blown or drawn past them