koto

American  

[koh-toh, kaw-taw] / ˈkoʊ toʊ, ˈkɔˈtɔ /

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.

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koto British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of koto

Borrowed into English from Japanese around 1785–95

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2022

Unusual turmoil turns out to be unusual musical love letters between Lewis and his wife, the Japanese composer and koto virtuoso Miya Masaoka.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2020

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

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2020

“But I chose to use actual koto strings on it, simply because they have a nicer sound.”

From New York Times • Jul. 21, 2015

"This is not the sort of evening when the koto sounds sweetest."

From Japanese Literature Including Selections from Genji Monogatari and Classical Poetry and Drama of Japan by Wilson, Epiphanius