balalaika

[ bal-uh-lahy-kuh ]

noun

1. a Russian musical instrument having a triangular body and a neck like that of a guitar.

balalaika

/ ˌbæləˈlaɪkə /

noun

1. a plucked musical instrument, usually having a triangular body and three strings: used chiefly for Russian folk music

Word History and Origins

Origin of balalaika¹

1780–90; < Russian balaláĭka, equivalent to balalaĭ-, probably originally a v. base, akin to balabólitʾ, balákatʾ chatter, talk nonsense (compare Russian dial., Ukrainian balabáĭka balalaika), expressive derivatives of Slavic *bay- speak, tell, akin to fate, -phasia + -ka noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of balalaika¹

C18: from Russian

Example Sentences

The "Balalaika Orchestra," by the way, was a minor sign of the Russian invasion already at its height.

From Project Gutenberg

Here Mongalov reached for his balalaika, a sort of Russian mandolin, and began to play some gay Russian airs on it.

From Project Gutenberg

The women played one after the other on the balalaika, and then sang in chorus.

From Project Gutenberg

The porter Yermolay passed him with his balalaika, glanced at him and shrugged his shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

Balalaika, a musical instrument of very ancient Slavonic origin, common among the Russians and Tartars.

From Project Gutenberg