Jew's harp

American  

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.

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jew's-harp British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of Jew's harp

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

Example Sentences

It sounds something like a Jew’s harp, but much louder.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2018

Our gallery gods immortalize thy song; Thy Newgate thefts impart ecstatic pleasure; Thou bid'st a Jew's harp charm a Christian throng, A Gothic salt-box teem with attic treasure.

From A History of Pantomime by Broadbent, R. J.

The Jew’s harp was played successfully, and Saul was often relieved from the evil spirit by David’s ministrations.

From Theological Essays by Bradlaugh, Charles

The memoirs of Madame de Genlis first made known the astonishing powers of a poor German soldier on the Jew's harp.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 269, August 18, 1827 by Various

When he arrived at the spring of Lisnayan in the town of Ībōwan he rested and he sat on the high stone and began to play the bamboo Jew's harp and Īgōwan saw him.

From Traditions of the Tinguian: a Study in Philippine Folk-Lore by Cole, Fay-Cooper