koto

[koh-toh, kaw-taw]

noun

plural

kotos, koto 

1. a Japanese musical instrument having numerous strings, usually seven or thirteen, that are stretched over a convex wooden sounding board and are plucked with three plectra, worn on the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of one hand.

koto

/ ˈkəʊtəʊ /

noun

1. a Japanese stringed instrument, consisting of a rectangular wooden body over which are stretched silk strings, which are plucked with plectrums or a nail-like device

Word History and Origins

Origin of koto¹

Borrowed into English from Japanese around 1785–95

Word History and Origins

Origin of koto¹

Japanese

Example Sentences

It featured Japanese instruments like taiko drums and koto yet played jazz and rhythm and blues, laced with pop and funk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He immediately began experimenting with using koto and other native instruments to downright creepy effect in the horror film “Kwaidan.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This is a series of, of all things, trombone and koto duets.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We have Japanese koto, with Indian tabla, with flamenco guitar, with African percussion,” he told The Post.

Read more on Washington Post

Featuring the koto, bells, flutes and other instruments, the nearly two-hour-long composition is deceptively peaceful — kind of like the virus itself.

Read more on Washington Post