guitar

American  

[gi-tahr] / gɪˈtɑr /

noun

1. a stringed musical instrument with a long, fretted neck, a flat, somewhat violinlike body, and typically six strings, which are plucked with the fingers or with a plectrum.

---

guitar British  

/ ɡɪˈtɑː /

noun

1. music a plucked stringed instrument originating in Spain, usually having six strings, a flat sounding board with a circular sound hole in the centre, a flat back, and a fretted fingerboard. Range: more than three octaves upwards from E on the first leger line below the bass staff See also electric guitar bass guitar Hawaiian guitar

---

guitar Cultural  

1. A stringed musical instrument (see strings) usually played by strumming or plucking. Guitars are widely used in folk music and, often amplified electronically, in country and western music and rock 'n' roll.

---

Other Word Forms

• guitar-like adjective
• guitarist noun

Etymology

Origin of guitar

1615–25; < Spanish guitarra < Arabic kītārah ≪ Greek kithára kithara

Example Sentences

What he did bring with him was a spinet piano that he set up in the living room and an acoustic guitar that usually occupied his bedroom.

From Salon

The Irish rock band finally broke through with its sixth album, with songs of camaraderie and heartbreak supercharged by a thick guitar sound.

From The Wall Street Journal

The LP’s excellent guitar work and soft, swaggering vocals remain compelling.

From The Wall Street Journal

The opening ballad, “Risk It All,” is pretty but listless, with Mr. Mars singing over a gently plucked nylon-string guitar until a relaxed syncopated groove folds in.

From The Wall Street Journal

But he also frequently lent it out, just like he regularly toured his guitar collection beginning 20 years later.

From Los Angeles Times