harp

[hahrp]

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.

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

/ 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

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

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.

Other Word Forms

• harplike adjective
• unharped adjective
• harper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of harp¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of harp¹

Old English hearpe; related to Old Norse harpa, Old High German harfa, Latin corbis basket, Russian korobit to warp

Example Sentences

Ever interested in art, Beowulf was transfixed by the murals painted on the ceiling of the theater, which featured adorable winged cherubs playing golden harps.

Read more on Literature

In the half-hour slow movement, harp and violins ascended melodic scales, allowing each step its magical, mystery share of exultation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the intensity of the sound adds a crudeness to the instrumental ensemble, which can be all harp or ear-shatter clarinet, and reduces the individuality of singers’ voices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"They are harping on about getting more disabled people in employment," she said.

Read more on BBC

Bianco harped on the state and the Democratic leaders for California’s handling of water management and gasoline prices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times