harp

American  

[hahrp] / hɑrp /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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 Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• harper
  noun
• harplike
  adjective
• unharped
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of harp

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

Explanation

A harp is a large, stringed musical instrument with a beautiful sound. If you want to play an instrument that's portable, you should choose a ukulele instead of a harp. Many orchestras include a classical harp, which is such a big instrument that players usually need assistance to move them. Harps are played from a sitting position, resting on the player's shoulder as she plucks the strings with both hands. A folk harp is often smaller, sometimes sitting on a player's lap. When harp is used as a verb, it means to talk constantly and dully about one topic: "The harpist did nothing but harp on about the weather."

Example Sentences

With more than 40 years of coaching experience, Tom Harp of Granada Hills sure knows how to pull off upsets in boys volleyball.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

The 27-year-old, who won the Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act category at last week's Brit Awards, played a setlist that leant heavily on his recent number one album, The Boy Who Played The Harp.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

His latest, The Boy Who Played The Harp, knocked Taylor Swift's Life of a Showgirl off the top spot, and managed to fend off competition from Lily Allen's much talked-about West End Girl.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

Other important works include the Roman “Lansdowne Herakles,” which dates to about AD 175, and the Cycladic “Male Harp Player,” 2700–2300 BC.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2025

He shoved me over to Harp, who grabbed me by my backpack before I could take off.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore