First recorded in 1585–95; perhaps jocular; earlier called Jew's trump
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It sounds something like a Jew’s harp, but much louder.
From Slate ● Sep. 30, 2018
No one shall read common prayer, keep Christmas or Saints' days, make mince pies, dance, play cards or play on any instrument of music except the drum, trumpet and Jew's harp.
From Heart and Soul by Maveric Post by Victor Mapes
Why is a Jew's harp like a good dinner?
From The Handbook of Conundrums by Edith B. Ordway
"Well, I used ter play a Jew's harp a leetle."
From The Adventures of Uncle Jeremiah and Family at the Great Fair Their Observations and Triumphs by C. M. (Charles McClellan) Stevens
"I'm a great hand at the Jew's harp myself!…"
From The Foolish Lovers by St. John G. (St. John Greer) Ervine
He likes the Rolling Stones, he plays the jew’s-harp — it’s incredible.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2019
Ms. Arnold delivered the texts in a half-sung Sprechstimme manner over the drone of a lone jew’s-harp.
From New York Times ● Jun. 1, 2011
The drone of a jew's-harp, which serves as a musical bridge in Up on Cripple Creek, is actually produced by the wah-wah pedal on Garth's clavinette.
From Time Magazine Archive
But the man who just likes to sing in the bathtub or twang a lick on the jew's-harp has never had a book to tell him where to go from there.
From Time Magazine Archive
“Where’s the jew’s-harp, Jo?” cried Laurie, as soon as he was within speaking distance.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
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