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

They wanted all their components, from June’s koto to Dan’s saxophone, to stand out yet be a part of the whole.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2022

Dan Kuramoto recalled a student from Tokyo University approaching the band after a concert and marveling at its use of the koto.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2022

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

The Emperor composed a song on the subject:    "The ship Karano    "Was burned for salt:    "Of the remainder    "A koto was made.

From A History of the Japanese People From the Earliest Times to the End of the Meiji Era by Brinkley, F. (Frank)