music box

American  

noun

1. a box or case containing an apparatus for producing music mechanically, as by means of a comblike steel plate with tuned teeth sounded by small pegs or pins in the surface of a revolving cylinder or disk.

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music box British  

noun

1. a mechanical instrument that plays tunes by means of pins on a revolving cylinder striking the tuned teeth of a comblike metal plate, contained in a box

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Etymology

Origin of music box

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

The regular version is my favorite ride at Disneyland, and during the holidays it’s like riding through a giant, wintry music box.

From Los Angeles Times

Aficionados will delight in minor details such as being close enough to touch the ghoulish monkey music box from the original, and being within breathing distance of the performers in these famous roles.

From The Wall Street Journal

Rollins is accompanied by Nick Myers, who sits on the side of the stage dressed as a music box in silver foil and oversized pearls.

From Los Angeles Times

René opens the music box, and a tinkling music begins to play, the same song heard long ago in his Damascus sitting room.

From BBC

Our next stop was Culver City, where he gave me a music box that played “Edelweiss.”

From Los Angeles Times