Jew's harp

or Jews' harp

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a small, simple musical instrument consisting of a lyre-shaped metal frame containing a metal tongue, which is plucked while the frame is held in the teeth, the vibrations causing twanging tones.

jew's-harp

noun

1. a musical instrument consisting of a small lyre-shaped metal frame held between the teeth, with a steel tongue plucked with the finger. Changes in pitch are produced by varying the size of the mouth cavities

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jew's harp¹

First recorded in 1585–95; perhaps jocular; earlier called Jew's trump

Example Sentences

I don't think much of a feller that would cheat a man out of a jews-harp 'cause he liked to fool with it.

From Project Gutenberg

One of us pretended he was playing on a Jews-harp, sang songs riotously, and then began to talk long and earnestly of New York.

From Project Gutenberg

He had brought along a mouth harmonica, and Hans had a jews-harp.

From Project Gutenberg

He drew a Jews-harp from under his blouse and began blowing into it.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a curious noise, like a jews-harp, in the chamber.

From Project Gutenberg