clavier
Americannoun
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the keyboard of a musical instrument.
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Also klavier any musical instrument having a keyboard, especially a stringed keyboard instrument, as a harpsichord, clavichord, or piano.
noun
Other Word Forms
- clavierist noun
Etymology
Origin of clavier
First recorded in 1700–10, and in 1835–45 clavier for def. 2; from French: literally, “keyboard,” in Old French “keyholder,” equivalent to Latin clāvi(s) “key” + -ier noun suffix; clavier def. 2 is from German Klavier, in turn from French as above -ier 2
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.
He played the clavier and the harpsichord both.
From The Guardian • Jun. 6, 2016
The punningly titled device is not quite a well-tempered clavier, but sort of an automotive gamelan.
From Washington Post • Jun. 2, 2016
The elevator does not go to the clavier cabin.
From New York Times • Mar. 22, 2015
Mr. Lind’s console in the clavier cabin has pedals like an organ, but it is not outfitted with keys and stops; instead, it has wooden levers that are sometimes called batons.
From New York Times • Mar. 22, 2015
Here he received a thorough training in singing, in clavier, and violin playing, and also a good education.
From The Masters and their Music A series of illustrative programs with biographical, esthetical, and critical annotations by Mathews, W. S. B. (William Smythe Babcock)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
