samisen

[ sam-uh-sen ]

noun

1. a guitarlike Japanese musical instrument having an extremely long neck and three strings, played with a plectrum.

samisen

/ ˈsæmɪˌsɛn /

noun

1. See shamisen
   a variant of shamisen

Word History and Origins

Origin of samisen¹

1610–20; < Japanese < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese sānxia three-string banjo

Example Sentences

One took her samisen and sang; and people crowded into the tiny yard to hear.

From Project Gutenberg

After supper the sparrow danced, whilst his grandmother played the samisen and the good old man beat time.

From Project Gutenberg

The samisen is a kind of small banjo, and probably originated in the Chinese kin.

From Project Gutenberg

The samisen players are older and they dress more plainly in black or plain blue, the drum players are young and gay colored.

From Project Gutenberg

He used to carry a samisen about with him when he was a child—he and little Yon, Baron Mutsu's daughter.

From Project Gutenberg