barrel organ

noun

1. a musical instrument in which air from a bellows is admitted to a set of pipes by means of pins inserted into a revolving barrel; hand organ.

barrel organ

noun

1. an instrument consisting of a cylinder turned by a handle and having pins on it that interrupt the air flow to certain pipes, thereby playing any of a number of tunes See also hurdy-gurdy
2. a similar instrument in which the projections on a rotating barrel pluck a set of strings

Word History and Origins

Origin of barrel organ¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Wise had picked up two or three CDs of sea shanties, along with an album of barrel organ tunes, for inspiration.

From New York Times

But after a month of cast illnesses and walkouts, and faulty sets and props — the barrel organ used for “Mack the Knife,” malfunctioned on opening night — the show opened, and was an immediate hit.

From New York Times

"The old barrel organ started the song about Russian doping again," it added.

From Fox News

The highlight package includes a “Phantom” prop: A music box in the shape of a barrel organ with the figure of a monkey playing the cymbals attached.

From Seattle Times

“I work because I need to pay rent,” said Nadia Iglesias, who plays a barrel organ near the city center.

From Washington Post