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

The phonograph and the player piano together brought technological musical reproduction into the home in the early 1900s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

The player piano and the phonograph not only introduced recorded music to a mass audience, they also prepared the way for machines to become integrated into musical creation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Rinaudo spent the next few years searching for one, cold-calling player piano sellers, theater owners and antique shops.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

Inspired by the player piano in Mr. Sidner’s office, the project, she said, explores “music as craft.”

From New York Times • Sep. 2, 2021

The diamonds of the backgammon board undulated like player piano keys.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides