Langimage
English

harmonica

|har-mon-i-ca|

B1

🇺🇸

/hɑːrˈmɑːnɪkə/

🇬🇧

/hɑːˈmɒnɪkə/

small wind instrument

Etymology
Etymology Information

'harmonica' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'harmonicus,' where 'harmonicus' meant 'musical.'

Historical Evolution

'harmonicus' transformed into the German word 'Harmonika,' and eventually became the modern English word 'harmonica.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'musical,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small wind instrument.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small rectangular wind instrument with a row of metal reeds along its length, played by blowing or sucking air through the reeds.

He played a tune on his harmonica.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/05/25 23:33