noun
dulcimer
DUL-sih-mer/ˈdʌlsɪmər/
A musical instrument with strings played by striking or plucking them.
Two small wooden hammers strike the strings of the dulcimer.
Etymology
Old French doulce mer named the instrument and is said to reflect a Latin expression meaning “sweet song.” That proposed image connects the name with the pleasing music it produces.
In context
My main instrument is santoor, it’s also called dulcimer in other cultures.
More examples
- She plucks a dulcimer while her brother sings.
- The band includes a fiddle, a banjo, and a dulcimer.
- He tunes the dulcimer before each performance.
Forms
dulcimer · dulcimers
Similar words
- zither
- A broader category of stringed instruments that includes dulcimers.