harper
noun
a person who plays the harp.
Showing results for harper.
harper
1 American
[hahr-per]
/ ˈhɑr pər /
Harper
2
American
[hahr-per]
/ ˈhɑr pər /
noun
-
James, 1795–1869, and his brothers John, 1797–1875, (Joseph) Wesley, 1801–70, and Fletcher, 1806–77, U.S. printers and publishers.
-
a male or female given name.
Harper
British
/ ˈhɑːpə /
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of harper
before 900; Middle English; Old English hearpere. See harp, -er 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
When they became international stars in the 1970s, the group hired a harper named Derek Bell to play the old O’Carolan tunes, which as a result became part of every Irish band’s repertoire.
From Washington Post ● May 12, 2016
Mead has been spilled on the oak and the king's strong-thewed companions, none over 30, sprawl, snore or listen intently to the end of a long-drawn saga sung by Maccus, the harper.
From Time Magazine Archive
They burnt the great thighbones and feasted at their ease on fresh roast meat, as in their midst the godlike harper sang— Demodokos, honored by all that realm.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
Arya made faces across the table when no one was looking,- Sansa listened raptly while the king's high harper sang songs of chivalry, and Rickon kept asking why Jon wasn't with them.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Not till the man was fed did the sweet harper end his singing—whereupon the company made the walls ring again with talk.
From "The Odyssey" by Homer
Fast bowler Mahli Beardman, 21, has been named in both squads and could make his international debut in ODIs, while the uncapped pair of Sam Harper and Lachlan Shaw have been included for the T20s.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
Mr. Taube, a Canadian columnist, was a speechwriter for former prime minister Stephen Harper.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
Here’s how Harper would spend his perfect Sunday in L.A., from a morning hike at Griffith Park to shopping for more French tour jackets at a vintage store in Silver Lake.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
Harper leaned into the L.A. experience, exploring the sprawling city, particularly its nature, and connecting with old friends on a deeper level.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
The opened letter from Harper & Row is in my other hand.
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
When gloved harpers set those overhead strings vibrating, the Kennedy Center architecture will be reflected in the tone.
From Washington Post ● May 12, 2016
"Your father—" "—will thank me, when I hand him his kingdom. I mean to do a deed that the harpers will sing of for a thousand years."
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
On one of the benches where sat the gleemen and harpers there lay the harp of Edwy.
From A Maid at King Alfred?s Court by Lucy Foster Madison
So our forefathers teach us; so the harpers sing.
From A Captive of the Roman Eagles by Felix Dahn
Sing for the harpers on highways Who make the world dance to their song, Turning the laughter of leaves into words!
From The Piper and the Reed by Robert W. Norwood
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