noun

harp

A harmonica, especially in blues music.

The blues player draws a small harp from his pocket.

Etymology

The harmonica borrows the familiar instrument name, especially in the expression mouth harp. The shorter harp retains that musical association in blues usage.

More examples

  • He plays harp in the band.
  • Several harps lie in the instrument case.
  • She changed harps for the next song.

Forms

harp · harps

Similar words

harmonica
Harmonica is the neutral instrument name.
mouth organ
Mouth organ is another common descriptive name.