noun
harmonica
hahr-MAHN-ih-kuh/hɑːrˈmɑːnɪkə/
A small reed instrument played by blowing and drawing air through holes.
The harmonica has a row of small mouth holes.
Etymology
The name meaning “musical” originally designated Franklin’s glass harmonica. It was later applied to the mouth-blown reed instrument, preserving the musical association while changing the kind of instrument named.
In context
these harmonica are all each one plays in one key so i've got eight of them sitting here
More examples
- She played the harmonica.
- Several harmonicas lay in the case.
- The harmonica produced a clear tune.
Forms
harmonica · harmonicas
Similar words
- mouth organ
- Another name for the same instrument.
- accordion
- A larger reed instrument powered by bellows.