Jump To:

• organ grinder
  organ grinder

  noun

  an itinerant street musician who earns a living by playing a hand organ or hurdy-gurdy.
• organ-grinder
  organ-grinder

  noun

  a street musician playing a hand organ for money

organ grinder

American  

noun

1. an itinerant street musician who earns a living by playing a hand organ or hurdy-gurdy.

---

organ-grinder British  

noun

1. a street musician playing a hand organ for money

---

Etymology

Origin of organ grinder

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Monson de Kansky was performing in the role of a street dancer in the ballet “Petrouchka,” and Igor played the organ grinder.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

Bach was in many ways a glorified organ grinder, cranking out music to support his 20 children.

From Slate • Oct. 25, 2018

There are memories, too -- the triptych “Beginnings” is a personal compendium of defining childhood influences -- an organ grinder, an upside-down Puss in Boots, a globe showing America and an art-loving uncle.

From BusinessWeek • Dec. 9, 2011

They hit upon the idea of singing to raise cash, but that sparks the wrath of the town’s greedy organ grinder, Brundibar.

From New York Times • Mar. 25, 1466

As the organ grinder reached the end of his song, the crowd applauded, and the monkey danced.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros