calliope

[ kuh-lahy-uh-pee; kal-ee-ohp ]

noun

1. Also called steam organ. a musical instrument consisting of a set of harsh-sounding steam whistles that are activated by a keyboard.
2. (initial capital letter) Also Kalliope. Classical Mythology. the Muse of heroic poetry.

calliope

¹

/ kəˈlaɪəpɪ /

noun

1. a steam organ

Calliope

²

/ kəˈlaɪəpɪ /

noun

1. Greek myth the Muse of epic poetry

Word History and Origins

Origin of calliope¹

1855–60, Americanism; < Latin < Greek Kalliópē, equivalent to kalli- calli- + op- (stem of óps ) voice + -ē feminine ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of calliope¹

C19: after Calliope (literally: beautiful-voiced)

Example Sentences

Immediately the little girl set up a yell that, 195 as Burd declared, could have scarcely been equaled by a steam calliope.

From Project Gutenberg

And off Bob went, whistling like a calliope and not even turning his head to look at the cabin.

From Project Gutenberg

The man with the steam calliope sat exhausted over his keyboard.

From Project Gutenberg

John Robinson's circus boasted a steam calliope, which dispensed "biled music."

From Project Gutenberg

To Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, Homer and Vergil prayed when they sang of war and heroes.

From Project Gutenberg