theorbo
|the-or-bo|
🇺🇸
/ˈθiː.ɔr.boʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˈθɪə.bəʊ/
large bass lute
Etymology
'theorbo' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'tiorba', where 'tiorb-' referred to this type of lute-like instrument.
'theorbo' changed from the Italian word 'tiorba' and was adopted into English usage in the 17th century as the name for the large bass lute.
Initially, it meant the Italian instrument 'tiorba' used in courts and ensembles; over time the term came to denote the broader class of large bass lutes used for Baroque continuo and solo repertoire.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a large bass lute with an extended neck and additional unstopped bass strings, used mainly in 17th- and 18th-century continuo and solo music.
The continuo group included a harpsichord, cello, and a theorbo.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/29 08:13