harp

American  

[hahrp] / hɑrp /

noun

1. a musical instrument consisting of a triangular frame formed by a soundbox, a pillar, and a curved neck, and having strings stretched between the soundbox and the neck that are plucked with the fingers.

2. anything that resembles this instrument, especially in having a row of parallel strings or wires, as various mechanical devices or kitchen implements for slicing cheese.

3. a vertical metal frame shaped to bend around the bulb in a standing lamp and used to support a lamp shade.

4. Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person of Irish birth or descent.

5. Also called harper.  any of several English coins issued for use in Ireland during the 16th and 17th centuries, bearing the figure of a harp on the reverse.

6. South Midland and Southern U.S. a mouth harp; harmonica.

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verb (used without object)

1. to play on a harp.

verb phrase

1. harp on / upon to dwell on persistently or tediously in speaking or writing.

   He was always harping on the importance of taking vitamin supplements.

harp British  

/ hɑːp /

noun

1. a large triangular plucked stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard connected to an upright pillar by means of a curved crossbar from which the strings extend downwards. The strings are tuned diatonically and may be raised in pitch either one or two semitones by the use of pedals ( double-action harp ). Basic key: B major; range: nearly seven octaves

2. something resembling this, esp in shape

3. an informal name (esp in pop music) for harmonica

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verb

1. (intr) to play the harp

2. archaic (tr) to speak; utter; express

3. (intr; foll by on or upon) to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner

harp Cultural  

1. An instrument in the string section of the orchestra. The orchestral harp is several feet tall and has pedals that allow the harpist to change the key of the instrument as necessary.

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Other Word Forms

• harper noun
• harplike adjective
• unharped adjective

Etymology

Origin of harp

before 900; Middle English harpe, Old English hearpe; cognate with Dutch harp, German Harfe, Old Norse harpa

Explanation

A harp is a large, stringed musical instrument with a beautiful sound. If you want to play an instrument that's portable, you should choose a ukulele instead of a harp. Many orchestras include a classical harp, which is such a big instrument that players usually need assistance to move them. Harps are played from a sitting position, resting on the player's shoulder as she plucks the strings with both hands. A folk harp is often smaller, sometimes sitting on a player's lap. When harp is used as a verb, it means to talk constantly and dully about one topic: "The harpist did nothing but harp on about the weather."

Example Sentences

Alice McLeod was a highly gifted and accomplished pianist who later became renowned for her mastery of the harp.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

Mr. Schlosberg conducted from the keyboard; his orchestration for three winds, three strings and harp had his usual flair for exactly the right instrument and texture at the right time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

The use of the harp stood out, as did the harpsichord for Manon’s apotheosis as a courtesan in Act 3 and an organ for the church of St. Sulpice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

The score is a comical barrage of harp strums, as if heaven’s angels have gotten good and drunk.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

A harp with a beautiful, sweeping curve was slung from his shoulder, but otherwise he looked nothing at all like the bards Taran had learned about from The Book of Three.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander