balalaika
|ba-la-lai-ka|
/ˌbæl.əˈlaɪkə/
Russian triangular stringed instrument
Etymology
'balalaika' originates from Russian, specifically the word 'балалайка' (balalaika).
'balalaika' was borrowed into English from Russian (first attested in English in the 18th–19th century). The ultimate origin is uncertain; it may be from Turkic sources or an imitative/colloquial formation in East Slavic languages.
Initially the term referred to the Russian folk instrument and related playing styles; its core meaning as the triangular, three‑stringed Russian instrument has remained stable.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a Russian stringed folk instrument with a characteristic triangular body and usually three strings, played with the fingers or a plectrum.
He learned to play the balalaika when he joined a folk music group.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/03 19:06