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. 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. See harmonica
   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.

Derived Forms

• ˈharper, noun

Other Words From

• harplike adjective
• un·harped adjective

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

You would see this young, beautiful man and an orchestra, then you would see a jazz trio and a harp.

From Washington Post

Lento The harp is having a moment right now, and I am very much here for it.

From Washington Post

For other captions, such as “a snail made of harp,” the results are less good, with images that combine snails and harps in odd ways.

From MIT Technology Review

You’re going to want to hear his harp take on Notorious BIG’s “Big Poppa,” and read how the 26-year-old launched a classical response to George Floyd’s death.

From Ozy

Others described it as sounding like a broken harp or lyre string.

From Popular-Science

They often harp on the indiscretion, such as an affair, and not the larger picture.

From The Daily Beast

“My job was to assess their fear and then harp on that fear, capitalize on that fear and get them to buy,” said Maddox, 33.

From The Daily Beast

I've been harping on this theme for nearly a decade now, and now it's time to harp again.

From The Daily Beast

Later he started playing classical guitar and then the harp.

From The Daily Beast

Through March 2012, HARP was only permitted to refinance mortgages that were up to 125 percent of the value of a home.

From The Daily Beast

The mirth of timbrels hath ceased, the noise of them that rejoice is ended, the melody of the harp is silent.

From Project Gutenberg

Wherefore my bowels shall sound like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts for the brick wall.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps in the full fruition of your genius your music, like the warm western wind to the harp, may bring life to her soul.

From Project Gutenberg

There's Raphael singing, Gabriel accompanying him on the harp, and all the angels flapping their wings to express their joy.

From Project Gutenberg

The world was strung with them like a harp, and upon them the wind played a monotonous refrain.

From Project Gutenberg