noun
pianola
pee-uh-NOH-luh/ˌpiəˈnoʊlə/
A piano that plays automatically using a perforated paper roll.
The pianola plays a lively tune from a perforated paper roll.
Etymology
Piano supplies the instrument name; -ola was perhaps taken from viola and intended as a diminutive. The trademark named a mechanical piano-playing device that used perforated paper rolls.
In context
on this pianola you must switch over the control here it says re-roll or silent or play
More examples
- She loads a new paper roll into the pianola.
- We gather around the pianola and sing along.
- The museum restores old pianolas so visitors can hear them play.
Forms
pianola · pianolas
Similar words
- player piano
- The more common American term for the same instrument.