player piano

American  

noun

1. a piano that can play automatically when the keys are actuated electronically or by a pneumatic device controlled by a piano roll.

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player piano British  

noun

1. a mechanical piano; Pianola

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Etymology

Origin of player piano

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

There is no doubt that if a player misses a Panenka, the criticism seems to be more severe than if a tame effort towards the corner was saved.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

The Clippers and Chick-fil-A run a “Fowl Shot Promotion” in which fans at the arena receive free chicken sandwiches if an opposing player misses back-to-back free throws in the fourth quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2024

The Wizards run a popular promotion that if an opposing player misses two free throws in the fourth quarter, then fans can use their ticket stub the next day to get a Chick-fil-A sandwich.

From Washington Post • Jan. 1, 2017

Isn’t it reasonable to assume that sometimes, even on the PGA Tour, the player misses his spot by as much as say, Johnson’s ball moved on the fifth green at Oakmont?

From Golf Digest • Jun. 29, 2016

If the second player misses, that player gets an H. Then the first player goes again.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman