Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 1897, American inventor Edwin S. Votey invented the “Pianola,” a self-playing piano whose perforated paper rolls functioned much like computer punch cards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

A cousin to self-playing player pianos, photoplayers automatically play music read out of perforated piano rolls.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

Composers, including John Philip Sousa, were concerned that the self-playing piano would extinguish the need to purchase sheet music, which is how they made money.

From Washington Post • Feb. 14, 2022

A self-playing piano lets him fake his way into a job as a restaurant pianist.

From The Guardian • May 5, 2020

"Maybe our piano has one of those self-playing tricks, and somebody wound it up by accident."

From The Bobbsey Twins in the Country by Hope, Laura Lee